Unrest In Nepal Town After Mosque Vandalism, Viral Video Sparks Communal Tension; Curfew In Place

Last Updated:January 06, 2026, 14:19 IST

Communal unrest has gripped Nepal’s Birgunj after a viral video allegedly hurting religious sentiments and the subsequent vandalism of a mosque triggered protests and violence.

Birgunj: Security personnel keep vigil amid extended prohibitory orders (Photo: PTI)

The situation in Nepal’s Birgunj city remained tense on Tuesday after authorities extended the curfew till 1 pm (local time) amid continuing communal tension triggered by a controversial TikTok video.

The curfew extension comes as security agencies remain on high alert following violent protests, vandalism, and defiance of prohibitory orders in parts of the border city, which lies close to India’s Bihar state.

According to an order issued by the District Administration Office (DAO), Parsa, the curfew was extended in view of the “latest security situation" and the persistence of threats to law and order.

The curfew, which was initially imposed from 6 pm on Monday to 8 am on Tuesday, was extended till 1 pm on January 6.

The administration invoked Section 6(a) of the Local Administration Act, 2028, to continue restrictions on movement and public gatherings.

In its latest order, the DAO prohibited any movement, assembly, procession, demonstration, meeting or sit-in within designated areas of Birgunj Metropolitan City.

The restricted zone was marked between Bus Park and Nagwa-Inarwa in the east, the Sirsia River in the west, Gandak Chowk in the north, and Shankaracharya Gate in the south.

Authorities warned that anyone violating the curfew would face strict action under the law.

The administration also issued a strong warning to residents, stating that security personnel have been authorised to take stringent measures, including shoot-at-sight action, during the curfew period.

People have been urged to remain indoors and step out only for essential purposes, and to coordinate with nearby security personnel if movement is unavoidable.

At the same time, the DAO clarified that essential services would not be disrupted.

Vehicles providing emergency and essential services such as ambulances, fire engines, hearses, health workers’ vehicles, media personnel, tourist vehicles, vehicles belonging to human rights organisations and diplomatic missions, as well as air passengers travelling on valid tickets, are being facilitated during the curfew period.

The curfew follows a sharp escalation in tensions after protests over alleged religious content circulated on social media turned violent.

According to officials, unrest began in Dhanusha district after two youths allegedly uploaded a TikTok video that locals claimed hurt religious sentiments.

The youths were subsequently handed over to the police.

Tension intensified further after a mosque was vandalised in ward 6 of Kamala Municipality in Dhanusha.

In response, demonstrators staged rallies in and around Birgunj, burning tyres and raising slogans from Sunday onwards.

The protests soon spiralled into violence, with a group of protesters reportedly vandalising a local police post in Birgunj during demonstrations.

Nepal authorities on Monday imposed prohibitory orders in sensitive parts of Birgunj amid fears of further clashes.

Officials said the restrictions were necessary as the unrest, initially triggered in Dhanusha and Parsa districts, rapidly escalated and spread through social media, particularly TikTok, drawing people from both sides onto the streets.

With the situation still volatile, security forces continue to maintain a heavy presence across Birgunj.

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