The District Administration Office in Sarlahi, a central Tarai district in Madhesh Province, on Sunday lifted a curfew in Malangawa, the district headquarters.

The local administration had enforced the curfew from 5pm on Saturday till 8am on Sunday following a clash between two local groups.

Life has returned to normalcy after the curfew was lifted. The markets have reopened and transportation has resumed.

Chief District Officer Indra Dev Yadav said a 72-hour prohibitory order has, however, been enforced to prevent an untoward incident. Yadav said holding assemblies, meetings, processions and sit-ins among others are prohibited during the period.

Superintendent of Police Naresh Raj Subedi said people will be allowed to go out of their homes, but gatherings, processions and other disorderly activities will not be allowed.

A violent clash ensued between people from two communities while returning after immersing the idol on the occasion of Krishnajanmashtami on Friday. Police dispersed the crowd by firing 16 teargas canisters and a round into the air. The situation had calmed down on Friday evening.

The local administration called an all-party meeting and appealed to maintain ethnic and religious harmony after a group of people started protesting early Saturday morning by burning tires.