Birgunj, Nepal – A curfew has been imposed in Birgunj, a city bordering Raxaul, India, following escalating communal tensions. The unrest prompted Indian authorities to seal the border, restricting movement to emergency cases only. The situation arose after a controversial TikTok video allegedly insulting religious sentiments circulated online, leading to protests and clashes.
The sequence of events began with the offensive TikTok video made by two Muslim youths, which sparked outrage among Hindu communities. Subsequently, a group of Hindus vandalized and set fire to a mosque in the Dhanusha district. This act of vandalism further inflamed tensions, leading to widespread protests by the Muslim community in Birgunj and other parts of the Madhesh Province. Protesters chanted slogans and burned tires, raising concerns about potential religious strife.
As the protests intensified, the local administration in Parsa district, where Birgunj is located, imposed a curfew in specific areas of the city. The curfew, effective from January 5, 2026, prohibits any fairs, public gatherings, processions, or protests within the area stretching from the bus park in the east to Sirsiya Bridge in the west, Power House Chowk in the north, and Shankaracharya Gate in the south. Authorities have warned that anyone violating the order will face legal consequences. Security forces have been given shoot-on-sight orders to prevent further violence.
The communal violence has had a significant impact on the India-Nepal border region. India has sealed the border at Raxaul, allowing only emergency movement. This border closure has left many residents of Raxaul, who conduct business in Birgunj, stranded and anxious about their return. The situation has also forced Indian migrant workers to return home.
Reports indicate that the initial unrest in Birgunj began on Saturday when stones were allegedly thrown from rooftops onto a religious procession in the Chapkaiya locality, causing panic and chaos. The situation quickly escalated, with mobs setting shops and vehicles on fire. At least 50 people, including women, children, bystanders, and police officers, were reportedly injured in the ensuing violence. Nepal Police used tear gas to try to control the unrest, but the situation remained volatile.
Authorities have arrested three individuals in connection with the incidents: the two Muslim youths who created the TikTok video and one person involved in vandalizing the mosque. The Dhanusha District Court has remanded them in custody as investigations continue.
India is closely monitoring the developments in the neighboring region, given the close social and economic ties between communities on both sides of the border. The curfew in Birgunj may be extended depending on the situation on the ground.
