Nepal communal violence: 3 killed, curfew widens; PM appeals for calm

Nepal prime minister Balendra Shah on Thursday appealed for unity, restraint and social harmony after at least three people were killed in communal violence that began in Sunsari district and later spread to neighbouring Madhesh province. The violence prompted authorities to expand curfews and tighten security across several districts.Addressing the nation for the first time since the violence erupted, Shah said the government was treating the situation with its "full seriousness and sensitivity" and pledged a fair and transparent investigation into the clashes."The Government of Nepal is completely serious and sensitive about the tragic incident that took place in Dewanganj, Siraha and other places in Sunsari a few days ago and the turbulent atmosphere that has arisen in some districts since then," Shah said in the televised address.The government's response comes amid curfews, prohibitory orders and heightened security deployments in Sunsari, Siraha, Dhanusa and Parsa districts.