Authorities in Nepal’s Birgunj city, located near the India–Nepal border adjoining Bihar, have imposed and extended a curfew following the escalation of communal tensions triggered by a TikTok video. The curfew will remain in force till Tuesday evening, officials said.
According to ANI, the district administration imposed prohibitory orders on Monday afternoon after religious tensions persisted in parts of Parsa district. Despite restrictions under Section 144, rival groups reportedly defied the order and held parallel protests, forcing authorities to clamp down further.
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The District Administration Office (DAO) of Parsa initially imposed a curfew from 6 pm on Monday till 8 am on Tuesday. As the situation remained volatile, the curfew was extended first till 1 pm and later till 6 pm on Tuesday.
Shoot-at-sight orders issued
The curfew covers several sensitive locations within Birgunj Metropolitan City, including areas like Bus Park, Nagwa, Inarwa (East), Sirsia River (West), Gandak Chowk (North) and Shankaracharya Gate (South).
In its order, the DAO prohibited all movement within the curfew zone and banned any kind gatherings, rallies, demonstrations, meetings, and processions. Authorities also warned that security forces have been authorised to take strict action against violators.
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“The public is requested not to step out of their homes except for essential purposes,” the order stated, adding that those needing to move must coordinate with nearby security personnel or contact emergency services.
Officials clarified that vehicles involved in essential services including ambulances, fire engines, health workers, media personnel, diplomatic missions, and passengers travelling to and from airports, would be allowed to move after verification.
How the tension escalated
The situation reportedly turned tense on after a TikTok video allegedly containing religiously offensive remarks surfaced online on Sunday. The video was said to have been uploaded by two youths from Janakpur in Dhanusha district.
Locals claimed the content hurt religious sentiments and handed the youths over to the police. Tensions escalated further after a mosque was vandalised in Kamala Municipality’s ward number 6, triggering protests.
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Demonstrators took to the streets in and around Birgunj, burning tyres and raising slogans from Sunday onwards. Officials said the unrest spread rapidly through social media platforms, including TikTok, with both sides mobilising supporters.
Security has been tightened across affected districts, and additional forces have been deployed to prevent further escalation.
