New Delhi: The communal tension has gripped parts of southern Nepal bordering India, prompting authorities to impose curbs and tighten security after protests turned violent in Birgunj town of Parsa district. The unrest which followed the vandalism of a mosque has led to the complete sealing of the India-Nepal border in the area with only emergency movement being allowed.
How unrest began
The trouble began after a video circulated on social media that allegedly contained remarks offensive to religious sentiments. The video, reportedly was posted by two men from Kamala Municipality in Dhanusha district, quickly spread online, triggering anger across several areas. Those two men were later detained by the locals and were handed over to the police, saying the content threatened communal harmony.
Yesterday in birgunj ,Nepal
A right-wing group reportedly threw stones at the Jama Masjid and nearby Muslim homes in Birgunj, all in the presence of the police. pic.twitter.com/atAc4f7VCs
— Nurmagumedov (@x_Aliwayzz01) January 6, 2026
The tensions escalated further when a mosque was vandalised in the Sakhuwa Maran area of Kamala. The incident sparked fresh outrage and brought large numbers of people onto the streets with protests soon spreading to Birgunj, which is a key commercial hub close to Bihar’s Raxaul.
As demonstrations gathered pace, clashes broke out between protestors and the police. Stones were thrown at security personnel and a local police station was vandalised during the violence. Police officials even stated that they were forced to fire several rounds of tear gas to disperse the crowd and bring the situation under control.
with the law-and-order situation deteriorating, the Parsa district administration imposed a curfew in Birgunj city. Security agencies remain on high alert and officials say the situation is being closely monitored.
Border sealed, security stepped up
In response to the unrest, Indian and Nepalese authorities moved swiftly to secure the border. The Sashastra Seema Bal has sealed the India-Nepal border in the affected region, halting all civilian movement except in emergency cases. After that, the security has been significantly tightened at the Maitri Bridge, marking a key crossing point where checks have been intensified and a dog squad was deployed.
Patrolling has been increased in the nearby border areas, including Sahadewa, Mahadewa, Pantoka, Siwan Tola and Musharwa, to prevent any spillover of violence.
The unrest has forced many Indian workers living in Nepal to head back home. Several migrants said markets and businesses in Birgunj were shut and daily life had come to a standstill. Many said they would return only after the situation stabilises as uncertainty continues to loom over the region.