Authorities in Nepal have imposed a strict curfew on a vital border city in the south of the country following a weekend of unrest sparked by the vandalism of a mosque.
Curfew Orders and Security Response
The Parsa District Administration issued the curfew order for Birgunj on Tuesday, 6 January 2026. The directive bans all movement in the streets and prohibits any form of gathering or demonstration. The notice carries a severe warning, stating that violators could be shot by security forces.
Armed soldiers and police officers are now patrolling the streets of the city, which is located 130 kilometres (80 miles) south of the capital, Kathmandu. Birgunj is a critical economic hub, serving as the primary border crossing for importing much of Nepal's oil, goods, and supplies from neighbouring India.
Sequence of Events Leading to Unrest
The tensions began over the weekend when a mosque in a nearby town was vandalised. In response, Muslim groups began protesting in the streets of Birgunj on Sunday. This initial demonstration was followed by a separate counter-protest by Hindu followers on the same day, leading to a sustained atmosphere of protest.
Officials report that while there have been no major clashes directly between the two religious groups and no significant injuries, there have been scuffles between protesters and riot police. The situation remains volatile, prompting the drastic curfew measures.
Rarity of Sectarian Clashes in Nepal
This incident is notable for its rarity in Nepal, a nation where the population is predominantly Hindu. The Muslim community in Nepal is mostly concentrated in the southern border regions, like the area around Birgunj. Such open sectarian friction and the resulting imposition of a shoot-on-sight curfew are highly unusual events in the country's recent history.
The curfew aims to prevent any escalation of violence and restore order in a city that is essential for the landlocked nation's supply chains. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely as they seek to de-escalate the inter-community tensions.
