Authorities in Nepal have imposed a strict curfew in Birgunj, a major commercial city near the India –Nepal border, after communal tensions erupted following a TikTok video containing alleged religiously offensive remarks. The situation remains tense as security forces have been granted shoot-on-sight authority to prevent further escalation.
How the Unrest Began
The violence traces back to Sunday, when a TikTok video uploaded from Kamala Municipality in Dhanusha district allegedly hurt religious sentiments. The video quickly circulated on social media, triggering outrage among local communities.
Two youths, identified by local sources as Haider Ansari and Amanat Ansari, were accused of posting the content and were later handed over to the police by residents. However, the arrests failed to calm the situation.
Mosque Vandalism Fuels Anger
Tensions intensified after reports of a mosque being vandalised in Ward No. 6 of Kamala Municipality, further inflaming communal emotions. Protesters poured onto the streets in parts of Dhanusha and neighbouring Parsa district, staging rallies, burning tyres, and raising slogans.
Birgunj—Nepal’s largest land-port city and a vital trade corridor handling nearly 40% of Nepal’s trade with India—soon became the epicentre of the unrest.
Curfew Timeline and Extensions
The Parsa District Administration Office (DAO) initially imposed a prohibitory order on Monday afternoon. As protesters defied restrictions and held parallel demonstrations, authorities escalated measures by enforcing a full curfew from 6 pm Monday to 8 am Tuesday.
With the situation remaining volatile, the curfew was:
- First extended until 1 pm Tuesday
- Then further extended until 6 pm Tuesday
Officials cited a “continuing threat situation” and intelligence inputs indicating the risk of further violence.
Areas Under Curfew
The curfew applies to key zones within Birgunj Metropolitan City, including:
- Bus Park
- Nagwa
- Inarwa (East)
- Sirsia River (West)
- Gandak Chowk (North)
- Shankaracharya Gate (South)
The order prohibits all movement, gatherings, rallies, processions, demonstrations, and public meetings within these boundaries.
Shoot-on-Sight Orders Issued
In a strong warning, the DAO authorised security forces to use lethal force against curfew violators if required. Residents have been instructed to remain indoors and step out only for essential reasons, after coordination with security personnel or by contacting emergency number 100.
Essential Services Exempted
The curfew allows controlled movement of:
- Ambulances and fire engines
- Health workers
- Media personnel
- Vehicles of diplomatic and human rights missions
- Air passengers with valid tickets
Role of Social Media
Officials have acknowledged that social media platforms, particularly TikTok, played a significant role in amplifying the unrest. Provocative content and rapid online mobilisation contributed to the spread of protests beyond the initial flashpoint, raising renewed concerns about digital platforms fuelling communal violence.
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Why Birgunj Is Strategically Sensitive
Birgunj is Nepal’s most important trade gateway with India, located close to Bihar. Any disruption in the city has broader implications for:
- Cross-border trade
- Supply chains
- Regional security
- Communal stability in border areas
What Happens Next
Security deployment has been intensified across sensitive locations, with Nepal Police and Armed Police Force maintaining high alert. Authorities say the curfew will remain in place until normalcy is restored, urging citizens to avoid sharing inflammatory content and cooperate with law enforcement.
