Inside Nepal’s security response after Sunsari violence

Nepal's central security apparatus convened an urgent meeting to address the aftermath of communal violence in Sunsari's Dewanganj Rural Municipality, which claimed one life and injured 22 people. The gathering, held on July 27, brought together top officials from the Home Ministry, Nepali Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and National Investigation Department. They assessed the situation, evaluated the risk of further escalation, and determined the state's response.

The meeting occurred as authorities faced scrutiny over their handling of the incident. Earlier on the day of the meeting, significant security personnel changes were made in the Koshi Province and Sunsari district. The Koshi Province Police Chief, Sunsari Chief District Officer, and Sunsari Police Chief were among those recalled and replaced. The DSP of the Armed Police Force company in Kaptanganj also saw a replacement.

During the high-level discussion, Home Minister Sudan Gurung reportedly expressed strong dissatisfaction with the security forces' performance. He also voiced concerns about escalating cross-border smuggling and what he termed as errors made by security agencies during the Dewanganj violence. The minister directed an increase in border security, including the deployment of drones and CCTV cameras. Officials present noted the minister's visible frustration and his emphasis on the need for security personnel to fulfill their duties effectively.

Security chiefs present at the meeting raised concerns about the potential for the violence to spread to other parts of the country. The discussion highlighted the immediate need for measures to de-escalate the crisis while also considering broader security challenges, including border management and the effectiveness of existing security protocols.

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He was fidgety, at times extremely dissatisfied that security personnel had failed to do their work.