A controversial TikTok video has ignited religious tensions in Birgunj, a key city in Nepal’s Parsa district bordering the Indian state of Bihar, leading local authorities to impose and repeatedly extend a curfew to prevent violence.
The district administration first issued a prohibitory order on Monday afternoon after clashes seemed imminent. Despite initial restrictions, opposing groups defied orders and staged simultaneous protests, prompting an escalation to a full curfew.
Escalating Curfew Measures
The Parsa District Administration Office (DAO) initially enforced a curfew from 6 p.m. Monday to 8 a.m. Tuesday. However, with the situation remaining volatile and threats persisting, the curfew was first extended to 1 p.m., and then again until 6 p.m. on Tuesday evening.
The curfew is specifically enforced within four defined sectors of Birgunj Metropolitan City, bounded by Bus Park, Nagwa, Inarwa (East), Sirsia River (West), Gandak Chowk (North), and Shankaracharya Gate (South). Within these areas, all public movement, gatherings, processions, demonstrations, and meetings are strictly prohibited.
Stringent Security Measures
In a stern warning, the DAO announced that security forces have been authorized to shoot on sight if the curfew is violated. Residents have been urged to remain indoors except for essential needs. "If you do need to step out, coordinate with the nearest security personnel or call 100," the order stated.
Exceptions are being made for essential services. Security personnel will facilitate the passage of ambulances, fire engines, hearses, vehicles for health workers, media, tourists, human rights and diplomatic missions, and passengers traveling to the airport with valid tickets.
Root of the Conflict
The unrest traces back to Sunday, when religiously charged comments made in a TikTok video sparked a dispute. The video reportedly originated from users in Kamala Municipality of Dhanusha district, and its inflammatory content quickly resonated in neighboring Birgunj, exacerbating existing communal sensitivities.
Birgunj, a major commercial and industrial hub with strong socio-cultural ties across the border, has historically been a melting pot but also susceptible to sporadic communal flare-ups. The rapid spread of social media content has added a modern, volatile dimension to such tensions.
Broader Implications
This incident highlights the growing challenge South Asian nations face in regulating social media content that can instantly inflame communal passions. It also underscores the critical role of prompt administrative action in border regions, where local disputes can quickly escalate due to dense populations and cross-border cultural linkages.
Local leaders have appealed for calm and dialogue. As the curfew continues, authorities are focused on maintaining a security perimeter to allow tensions to subside while investigating the origins of the provocative video. The coming days will be a test for community resilience and the effectiveness of Nepal’s crisis management in the digital age.
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