Communal Tension Erupts in Southern Nepal After Mosque Vandalised, India-Nepal Border Sealed

Communal unease spread across parts of southern Nepal after a mosque was vandalised in Dhanusha district, triggering protests, police action, and heightened security near the international boundary.

As tensions escalated close to the frontier, India sealed its border crossings with Nepal, allowing movement only for emergency services.

Authorities acted swiftly to prevent the unrest from spilling across districts, as demonstrations linked to the incident intensified in key border towns.

Violence erupts after protests spread to Birgunj

The situation worsened when protests reached Birgunj, a major town in Parsa district located near the Indian border. Demonstrators gathered after reports of vandalism at a mosque in the Dhanusha region, with anger further fuelled by the circulation of an alleged religious video on social media.

As crowds swelled, clashes broke out between protesters and security forces. Police resorted to firing tear gas shells after stones were hurled at personnel and parts of a local police station were damaged. The unrest raised immediate concerns due to Birgunj's proximity to Raxaul, a busy cross-border transit point.

Mosque vandalism and arrests in Dhanusha

Police in Dhanusha Dham confirmed that the mosque in the Sakhuwa Maran area of Kamala Municipality was vandalised by a group following the spread of what officials described as anti-Hindu content on social media. According to police, the content was allegedly shared by two Muslim youths.

Three individuals have been detained in connection with the TikTok video and the vandalism, officials said, adding that investigations are ongoing to determine the sequence of events and those responsible.

Tear gas used as protests turn aggressive

Protests against the mosque vandalism continued in Birgunj, where demonstrators burned tyres and blocked roads. Police said the demonstrations escalated rapidly, forcing security personnel to intervene.

"As their demonstration turned violent with pelting stones on police personnel and vandalising the local police station, almost half a dozen tear gas shells were lobbed to bring the situation under control," police said. Officials later confirmed that the situation in Birgunj was brought under control by the evening.

Administration appeals for calm, monitoring social media

Parsa Chief District Officer Bhola Dahal issued a public appeal urging residents to maintain peace and communal harmony. The district administration warned that online platforms were being closely monitored to prevent the spread of misinformation and hate.

"Individuals involved in fomenting social, religious, or cultural animosity among each other, affecting national unity, or spreading false rumors that harm the social reputation of communities are being closely monitored on social media accounts such as Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram," the administration said.

Authorities cautioned that strict legal action would follow against anyone found inciting violence, damaging religious sites, or disturbing public order as security remains tight in the affected districts.