Tension continues to grip Nepal’s border city of Birgunj, close to India’s Bihar, after a controversial TikTok video sparked religious unrest, prompting authorities to impose and repeatedly extend a curfew in parts of the city. The district administration has enforced prohibitory orders to prevent further escalation, as protests and counter-protests defied restrictions and intensified the situation.
According to officials, the District Administration Office (DAO) of Parsa district first imposed a curfew from 6 pm on Monday to 8 am on Tuesday as a precautionary measure amid growing unrest. However, as tensions failed to subside and the threat to public order persisted, the curfew was extended in phases—first till 1 pm and later till 6 pm on Tuesday.
The curfew has been enforced across sensitive zones within Birgunj Metropolitan City, including Bus Park, Nagwa, Inarwa (East), Sirsia River (West), Gandak Chowk (North), and Shankaracharya Gate (South). Authorities have strictly prohibited movement, gatherings, rallies, demonstrations, meetings, and processions within the designated areas.
In a strong warning to residents, the DAO stated that security forces have been authorized to take stringent action, including shooting on sight if necessary, against those violating the curfew. Citizens have been advised to remain indoors and step out only for essential reasons after coordinating with nearby security personnel or contacting emergency helplines.
Despite the restrictions, essential services have been exempted. The administration clarified that ambulances, fire services, health workers, media personnel, diplomatic missions, tourist vehicles, and passengers travelling with valid flight tickets will be allowed to move under security supervision.
How The Unrest Began
The situation reportedly deteriorated on Sunday after a TikTok video containing alleged religiously offensive remarks went viral. The video, uploaded by two youths identified as Haider Ansari and Amanat Ansari from Dhanusha’s Kamala Municipality, allegedly hurt religious sentiments, prompting locals to hand them over to the police.
The incident further escalated when a mosque in Ward 6 of Kamala Municipality was vandalised, triggering outrage among local residents. Protests soon erupted, with demonstrators taking to the streets, burning tyres and raising slogans in several areas around Birgunj.
What began as a localised dispute in Dhanusha and Parsa districts quickly spread, fuelled by social media activity and heightened communal sensitivities. Authorities are now working to stabilise the situation, with heavy deployment of security forces and continuous monitoring of sensitive areas.
Officials have appealed for calm and urged people not to spread rumours or provocative content on social media, warning that strict legal action will be taken against those attempting to incite violence or disturb communal harmony.
