ISLAMABAD: Authorities imposed a curfew in Birgunj, a key southern Nepal city bordering India, after protests by Hindu and Muslim groups erupted following the vandalism of a mosque, international media reported.
The curfew, ordered by the Parsa District Administration, bans all public movement, gatherings, and demonstrations. Authorities warned that violators could face strict action by security forces, according to Euro News.
Footage aired by Germany’s state broadcaster Deutsche Welle showed a heavy security presence as tensions flared between the two communities. Parsa’s chief district officer, Bhola Dahal, said security was tightened after unrest in neighbouring Dhanusha district spread to Birgunj, adding that authorities had appealed for calm and dialogue.
According to Gulf News, the demonstrations later turned violent, prompting the district administration to enforce the curfew in the town, which lies close to Raxaul in India’s Bihar state. Indian media reported that authorities temporarily sealed the India-Nepal border, allowing only emergency movement.
The Parsa District Administration Office said the curfew would be strictly enforced, with police confirming that around two dozen people had been arrested in connection with the unrest.
Tensions first erupted on Jan. 3 in Dhanusha district after a dispute over alleged anti-Hindu posts on social media. The situation escalated after a Hindu mob allegedly vandalized a mosque and burned copies of the Quran, triggering protests by Muslim groups.
Muslim leaders warned of growing insecurity for religious minorities in Nepal’s southern plains. Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal said the government was concerned by the incidents and urged all communities to maintain harmony and peaceful coexistence.
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