ITAHARI, Aug 17: A small mound of earth west of Kaptanganj Bazaar in Dewanganj Rural Municipality 3, Sunsari, has become a memorial for three young men killed in a violent clash between two groups on July 26 (Shrawan 10).
A banner bearing their photographs and a message of condolence has been placed at the site. The bodies of 25-year-old Om Prakash Mehta, 21-year-old Jaya Prakash Mehta and 19-year-old Rabindra Mehta were cremated there after the clash turned violent.
Small mounds of earth were raised after the cremations to mark the sites where the three bodies were burned. Relatives have been visiting the spot to perform rituals.
On Sunday, the fifth-day after Rabindra’s death, his sisters Malti Kumari and Shanti Kumari, along with his younger sister Preeti Kumari, performed prayers there. Wishing for Rabindra’s soul to rest in heaven, they raised their fists and chanted, “Long live martyr Rabindra.”
Rabindra’s 88-year-old grandfather, former Constituent Assembly member Mugalal Mehta, was also at the site. Speaking about the family’s loss, he said his nephew had lost his only son and that Rabindra’s parents were unlikely to have another child.
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Rabindra’s parents, Bijay Kumar and Bimala, remain devastated by the loss of their son. “We keep trying to comfort our parents, but they remain deeply distressed because they cannot stop thinking about my brother,” Preeti said.
She said Rabindra was very close to his sisters. “Who will love me now? I have lost the only brother I had,” she said. Rabindra had returned home after hearing about the clash and later went to the scene to see what had happened.
Mugalal, who says he remembers major events in the country since 1951, described the Kaptanganj clash as the first incident in the area to take on a violent communal character.
“People from outside may also have contributed to escalating the situation, although locals were certainly involved. If those responsible are not arrested and prosecuted, and the police and administration do not act firmly, there is a risk of further trouble,” he said.
Although the Kaptanganj clash largely involved Hindu and Muslim groups, Mugalal said innocent members of the Muslim community were also suffering from the consequences.
Protests continued in Kaptanganj Bazaar for weeks after the violence on the night of Shrawan 10. The agitation finally stopped after Rabindra’s final cremation on Shrawan 27.
The government declared Om Prakash, Jai Prakash and Rabindra martyrs on Shrawan 26. Home Minister Sudan Gurung had reached agreements with the victims’ families on Shrawan 14 and again on Shrawan 25. The government agreed to provide Rs 1 million to each bereaved family, conduct an impartial investigation and take legal action against those responsible. It also agreed to provide employment to one member of each affected family.
Although the protests have stopped, normal life has yet to return to Kaptanganj Bazaar. The market reopened four days ago, but customer numbers remain low. Hotel operator Chandani Sharma said businesses were also stocking fewer goods. “The market used to be crowded. Now only a few people come,” she said.
For 72-year-old Mahesh Prasad Yadav, the market now feels deserted. Kaptanganj once had equal participation from Hindu and Muslim communities, but the market now appears divided. “Hindus come occasionally, while only two or four Muslims are seen from time to time,” he said.
Kaptanganj was known for its livestock market until two years ago. After the livestock market was removed, the vegetable market became its main identity. But the recent violence has damaged both social and economic activity, said grocery shop owner Manoj Mehta.
“I worry that the market could lose its old name and identity,” he said.
Many Muslims have stopped visiting the market since the violence. Only a few now come regularly. Ayub Miyan has recently opened a tea shop where members of the Muslim community gather and talk.
“We want the atmosphere of brotherhood that existed before,” said Muslim community leader Jair Miyan. But little effective effort has so far been made to bridge the growing divide between the two communities.
