Communal unrest has erupted in some parts of Nepal bordering India. Protests broke out in Birgunj town of Nepal’s Parsa district after a video with religious content went viral on social media. The situation deteriorated after some people vandalized a mosque. The protest soon turned violent and the district administration imposed a curfew in Birgunj town. Due to the deteriorating situation, many Indian migrants working in Nepal have started returning home. India has completely sealed its border, suspending emergency services due to the security situation and restricting all cross-border movement. It is worth noting that the unrest in Nepal began after two Muslims, Haider Ansari and Amanat Ansari, from Kamala Municipality in Dhanush district, posted a video on social media. The video soon sparked communal unrest in Dhanush and Parsa districts. Locals caught the two men and handed them over to the police, saying the video posed a threat to communal harmony. But soon after, a mosque was vandalised in Kamla’s Sakhuwa Maran area, deepening communal tensions. During the protests, Hindu organisations alleged that derogatory remarks were made against their deity, which further worsened the situation.
In view of the tense atmosphere in Birgunj and its surrounding areas, security has been tightened along the India-Nepal border. The Armed Border Force has completely sealed the border. A dog squad team has also been deployed on the border.
