BIRGUNJ: Tensions have escalated in Birgunj city, located near the Indian border, following a dispute triggered by a religiously sensitive TikTok video. In response to the deteriorating law-and-order situation, the District Administration Office (DAO) of Parsa announced a curfew, which has been extended multiple times due to ongoing security concerns.

Reports indicate that the unrest originated from a video containing remark that members of the community found offensive, shared from Dhanusha district's Kamala Municipality. This sparked confrontations between community groups, necessitating intervention by local authorities. As gatherings persisted despite initial restrictions, a full curfew was enforced starting Monday evening, on a rolling basis that was first extended to Tuesday afternoon and later to Tuesday evening.

The curfew affects several key areas within Birgunj Metropolitan City, including Bus Park, Nagwa, Inarwa, Sirsia River, Gandak Chowk, and Shankaracharya Gate. Under the curfew directives, all movements, public gatherings, demonstrations, and meetings are prohibited, while essential services like ambulance and fire services can operate with correct identification.

Local officials warned that strict actions would be taken against any violations of the curfew, emphasizing the need for community cooperation to restore peace. The circumstances became particularly volatile after a TikTok video uploaded by two youths resulted in significant backlash and vandalism at a mosque in the area, further inflaming community tensions.

What began as a localized dispute in Dhanusha and Parsa has rapidly escalated into broader unrest, fueled by social media and rising communal sentiments. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, appealing to citizens for calm and urging them to combat misinformation. As Birgunj experiences these troubling developments, the emphasis remains on restoring stability and harmony in the community.