Communal tension escalated in parts of southern Nepal bordering India after the vandalisation of a mosque triggered protests, clashes and police intervention across multiple districts. The incident unfolded in Dhanusha, close to the Indian border, and later spilled over into Birgunj, raising concerns over social harmony in the region.
According to police officials, the unrest began after a video containing alleged religiously offensive content circulated on social media platforms. Authorities said the video, allegedly posted by two youths, led to heightened emotions and retaliatory actions. In the Sakhuwa Maran area of Kamala Municipality in Dhanusha district, a group of people allegedly vandalised a mosque on Saturday, damaging parts of the structure.
Following the vandalism, protests were organised in Birgunj, a major town in Parsa, which lies near Raxaul in India. Demonstrators gathered on Sunday morning to protest the mosque attack, with some groups resorting to burning tyres as a mark of dissent.
Police officials said the demonstration later turned violent when protesters allegedly began pelting stones at security personnel and vandalising a local police station. To bring the situation under control, law enforcement agencies fired several tear gas shells. Authorities confirmed that the unrest was contained later in the day and normalcy was gradually restored in the area.
At least seven police personnel sustained minor injuries during the clashes, according to district police officials. Security forces remained deployed in sensitive areas to prevent further escalation and to ensure public safety.
In response to the developments, the local administration issued a public appeal urging residents to maintain peace and refrain from actions that could disrupt communal harmony. The district authorities warned that individuals attempting to incite social, religious or cultural animosity would face strict legal consequences.
Officials also said that social media platforms were being closely monitored to prevent the spread of misinformation, inflammatory content or rumours that could further aggravate tensions. Authorities specifically highlighted increased surveillance of platforms such as Facebook, TikTok and Instagram in the aftermath of the incident.
Police confirmed that three individuals were detained in connection with the case. The detainees are accused of posting the controversial video on social media and of involvement in the vandalism incident in Dhanusha district. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full sequence of events and to identify whether additional individuals played a role in instigating violence.
Local administrators stressed that damage to religious places and attempts to provoke communal unrest would not be tolerated. Legal action, they said, would be taken against anyone found responsible for harming religious sites, disturbing public peace or spreading content aimed at inciting hatred.
The incident has highlighted the fragile nature of communal relations in border regions, where social media-driven misinformation can quickly escalate into physical unrest. Authorities reiterated the need for restraint, dialogue and responsible online behaviour to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As of the latest update, security forces continue to maintain a strong presence in sensitive pockets of Dhanusha and Parsa districts, while officials work to restore confidence among local communities and ensure long-term stability.
