BIRGUNJ, Jan 6: A single TikTok post has sent shockwaves across Madhesh Province, igniting tensions between communities and prompting authorities to impose a curfew in Birgunj until 1 PM Tuesday. The controversy, which began in Dhanusha, has now led to heightened security measures across all eight districts of the province, with officials warning of a “sensitive situation.”
The unrest began when two youths, Haider Ansari and Amanat Ansari, shared a video in Janakpurdham referencing India in a manner deemed offensive to religious tolerance. Local leaders handed the youths over to police, but their arrest at the Khajuri Area Police Office sparked outrage among some locals. During the unrest, a mosque was attacked, and those involved were also taken into custody, according to Spokesperson and DSP Ganesh Bam of Dhanusha District Police Office (DPO).
The tension quickly spread to Birgunj on Monday morning, leading to a large deployment of armed police and the Nepali Army. When demonstrations continued despite prohibitory orders, the local administration enforced a curfew.
Chief District Officer Bhola Dahal said the curfew, effective from 6 PM Monday to 8 AM Tuesday and later extended to 1 PM, covers the area bounded by Bypass Road in the east, Sirsia Bridge in the west, Powerhouse Chowk in the north, and Shankaracharya Gate in the south. During the curfew, all movement, gatherings, rallies, and meetings are banned, and residents are urged to remain indoors except for essential needs.
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Prior to the curfew, more than two dozen protesters defying the prohibitory orders were detained. Parsa DPO spokesperson DSP Raju Karki confirmed 26 arrests and noted that clashes had broken out between law enforcement and demonstrators. He clarified that the detainees came from multiple communities and had engaged in violent acts, including stone-pelting.
From Janakpur to Birgunj: Protests escalate
The unrest began in Janakpurdham on Sunday following an attack on a mosque, which triggered protests from the Muslim community. On Monday, angered Hindu groups and supporters staged demonstrations in Birgunj over offensive remarks about Hindu deities. As tensions rose, authorities moved quickly to regain control.
“Madhesh – Land of unity and harmony”
Madhesh Province Government Chief Dr Surendra Lal Karna expressed concern that the recent unrest could threaten the province’s centuries-old tradition of social unity and brotherhood. He urged residents to remain calm, avoid provocation, and resist impulsive reactions. “Do not act in ways that hurt others’ sentiments through social media or any medium. Let us unite to maintain peace and harmony,” he appealed.
Chief Minister Krishna Prasad Yadav reinforced the message, describing Madhesh as a shared home for all communities. He emphasized that the province’s strength lies in its diversity and unity. “Division weakens society, the state, and citizens alike,” Yadav said, condemning rumors and unrest. He warned that violence can never resolve issues and that hatred in the name of religion is unacceptable.
The provincial government reaffirmed its commitment to the safety, dignity, and equal rights of all citizens. CM Yadav promised enhanced security measures and issued a stern warning that anyone spreading rumors or engaging in hate-driven activities would face strict legal action. He called on religious leaders, political parties, youth, and citizens to prioritize dialogue and coexistence over conflict.
Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal echoed the call for calm, urging vigilance against provocative social media content and stressing the critical role of civil society in maintaining harmony. He highlighted the need for government and community cooperation to prevent actions that threaten communal peace.
