The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has launched an investigation into the clash between two communities and the death of Om Prakash Mehta from police firing in Dewangunj, Sunsari.
The NHRC's Koshi Province Office in Biratnagar is conducting a preliminary investigation into the incident.
NHRC spokesperson Tikaram Pokharel said that the dispute between the two communities began over placing a flag on an electricity pole and escalated during the playing of a DJ system.
According to him, as the dispute intensified, vandalism and clashes broke out between the two sides, and Om Prakash Mehta died from police gunfire while security forces were attempting to bring the situation under control.
Nine other people were injured in the incident.
The commission said that two of the injured are in critical condition, and they are receiving treatment at Neuro Hospital, Birat Nursing Home, and Nobel Medical College.
Following the incident, tires were burned in various places in protest, and demonstrators are staging protests carrying sticks and rods.
The army has been deployed to bring the situation under control after it turned tense in places including Kaptangunj.
The commission has directed the government to strengthen security, take legal action against the guilty, provide relief and compensation to the victim's family, and ensure free treatment for the injured.
It has appealed to political parties, civil society, human rights activists, and the general public to resolve the dispute through dialogue and communication and maintain social harmony.
