Worried by possible eruption of violence, religious leaders of Hindu and Muslim communities have jointly appealed for social harmony after the locals clashed during Mohammad day celebration at Metahi VDC in Raptipari, Banke district on Monday.

In a joint statement on Tuesday, Islam leader Maulan Abdul Jabbar Manjari and Hindu leader Chandannath Yogi, among other religious leaders, demanded the authority look into the incident, take action against the guilty and ensure free treatment of those injured.

A person was killed and 10 others injured during a clash at Matehiya during the Islam festival, police said. The injured have been undergoing treatment at Nepalgunj-based Bheri Zonal Hospital and Teaching Hospital. Meanwhile, preparations are being made to send the seriously injured ones to Kathmandu for further treatment.

According to Bheri Zonal Police Chief Dhiru Basnyat, the situation of Matehiya has limped back to normalcy. Security personnel have been strongly mobilised in the area after it became tense on Monday.