Is a Curfew Necessary in Nepal's Birgunj to Avert Religious Tensions?
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Synopsis
In an effort to stave off potential religious tensions, a curfew has been implemented in parts of Birgunj, Nepal. This decision follows the vandalism of a mosque that sparked protests among the Muslim community. The local administration aims to maintain peace in the region amid escalating unrest.
Key Takeaways
- Curfew imposed in Birgunj to prevent religious tensions.
- Protests erupted following mosque vandalism.
- District Administration Office banned public gatherings.
- Law enforcement has made arrests related to the incident.
- Authorities are actively investigating additional suspects.
Kathmandu, Jan 5 (NationPress) The authorities in Nepal's Parsa district announced a curfew on Monday across select areas of Birgunj city, which is adjacent to Raxaul in India, to mitigate the risk of potential religious discord following the destruction of a mosque in the southern Dhanusha district that occurred on Saturday.
Protests erupted in Birgunj on Sunday when members of the Muslim community voiced their outrage over a video circulating on social media that depicted the mosque vandalism. Demonstrators were seen chanting slogans and setting tires ablaze in the streets. Similar protests were reported in other regions of Madhesh Province, including Kamala Municipality within Dhanusha.
According to law enforcement, the unrest was sparked by a TikTok video featuring two Muslim individuals making derogatory comments about Hindus, which incited a group of Hindus to vandalize and ignite the mosque.
As protests escalated on Sunday, the District Administration Office in Parsa imposed a prohibitory order effective from 1 pm on Monday, banning all forms of fairs, public gatherings, processions, or protests in specified areas of Birgunj until further notice.
The mandated restrictions encompass the region bordered by the bus park to the east, Sirsiya Bridge to the west, Power House Chowk to the north, and Shankaracharya Gate to the south.
“Individuals found in violation of this order will be apprehended and prosecuted according to the law,” the directive warns.
Recent social media footage has displayed an unidentified group vandalizing a mosque situated in a Muslim community within Sakhuwa Maran, Dhanukamala Municipality–6 of Dhanusha, along with the burning of a copy of the Quran.
“We have detained two Muslim youths responsible for the TikTok video and one individual implicated in the mosque vandalism,” stated Superintendent of Police Bishwo Raj Khadka, Chief of the District Police Office in Dhanusha, to IANS. “They have been remanded to judicial custody for five days by the Dhanusha District Court.”
Police have reported receiving complaints against nine individuals purportedly involved in the mosque’s vandalism. “We are actively pursuing those responsible for this act,” he added.
Point of View
It's crucial to approach this situation with sensitivity and awareness of the socio-religious dynamics at play. The curfew, though a necessary measure to maintain public order, underscores the importance of dialogue and community engagement to prevent such incidents in the future.
NationPress
07/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was a curfew imposed in Birgunj?
The curfew was imposed to prevent potential religious strife following the vandalism of a mosque, which incited protests by the Muslim community.
What areas are affected by the curfew?
The curfew affects specific areas of Birgunj, including regions bordered by the bus park, Sirsiya Bridge, Power House Chowk, and Shankaracharya Gate.
What sparked the protests in Birgunj?
Protests were sparked by a TikTok video in which two Muslim youths made offensive remarks about Hindus, leading to a retaliation that included the vandalism of a mosque.
What actions are being taken against the offenders?
Authorities have arrested two youths related to the TikTok video and one individual involved in the mosque vandalism, with further investigations ongoing.
How long will the curfew last?
The curfew will remain in effect until further notice, as determined by the District Administration Office.
