Dharan, a sub-metropolis in the district of Sunsari, remained peaceful on Saturday despite fear of possible confrontation between two rival groups.

 

No untoward incidents occurred in Dharan and the adjoining areas due to the local administration’s security measures and the local residents’ commitment to the social cohesion and harmony.

 

Various radical Hindu groups were scheduled to take out a rally in Dharan on Saturday urging for the ‘conservation of cows’. Thousands of people were expected to enter Dharan for the rally that could have triggered communal violence. The Hindu radicals organised the rally after some people posted a video of eating beef on social media a few days ago.

 

The District Administration Office (DAO) heightened security in Dharan and the entry points of the sub-metropolis to avert any untoward incidents. The local administration enforced a prohibitory order in Dharan from Friday midnight fearing the ethnic and religious violence in the city. The prohibitory order remains effective until Saturday midnight.

 

“Dharan was peaceful throughout the day on Saturday,” said Humkala Pandey, the chief district officer of Sunsari. “People from various Hindu organisations were prevented from entering Dharan. They organised a rally and cornermeet in Itahari after the security personnel stopped them. They have already returned from Itahari.”