Biratnagar educational institutions shut after Sunsari violence

Educational institutions in Biratnagar, Nepal, remained closed on Tuesday, not by official order but by their own decision, citing security concerns. The closures followed a violent incident in Kaptanganj, Sunsari, where a resident died and nine others were injured when security forces fired upon a clash between two groups. Protests also erupted in Biratnagar on Monday.

Ram Prasad Dhungel, chief of the Biratnagar Metropolitan City's Education Division, explained that schools decided to suspend classes after learning that school bus operations might be disrupted. While the metropolitan city did not declare an official holiday, the prevailing security situation and potential transport issues led most schools and colleges to remain shut.

Fear persists in southern Sunsari, with Dewanganj and Harinagar rural municipalities declaring public holidays to mourn the death. Educational institutions in these areas also closed. Local authorities have since reinforced security measures to prevent further incidents.

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The metropolitan city has not officially announced a school holiday. However, most schools and colleges did not open from early morning. Schools suspended classes after it appeared that school bus operations could be disrupted.