Post by : Meena Ariff

Communal tension has escalated in parts of Nepal near the India border, prompting a high-security alert. The unrest began in Birgunj, a major town in Nepal’s Parsa district, after a video posted on social media allegedly contained remarks offensive to certain religious communities. The situation quickly intensified, leading authorities to impose a curfew in Birgunj city, which borders Raxaul in Bihar, India.

The unrest originated in Dhanusha district’s Kamala Municipality, where two men were accused of posting a controversial video online. Local residents, angered by the content, handed the men over to police, claiming the video threatened communal harmony. Despite their arrest, violence escalated when a mosque in the Sakhuwa Maran area of Kamala was vandalized.

Hindu groups also claimed that derogatory remarks were made against their deities, further inflaming the situation. Protests soon turned violent, with demonstrators throwing stones at police and damaging a local police station. In response, police fired multiple tear gas shells to disperse the crowd.

As tensions worsened, India took precautionary measures by completely sealing the border, restricting all civilian movements except for emergency services. Security forces have heightened vigilance at key crossing points, including the Maitri Bridge, conducting thorough checks on all travelers. Dog squads and increased patrolling have been deployed in surrounding border areas to prevent further incidents.

The deteriorating security situation has prompted many Indian migrant workers in Nepal to return home. Shops and markets in Birgunj have shut down, and residents are avoiding public spaces as the curfew continues. Many plan to resume work only after the situation stabilizes.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, aiming to restore peace and prevent further escalation.

#Global News