BIRGUNJ: Security arrangements have been heightened across all eight districts of Madhesh Province following tensions in Birgunj, a city in Nepal’s southern district of Parsa, since Sunday morning. A large number of security personnel have been deployed to areas identified as potential flashpoints for clashes.
The alert was raised after a dispute, which began in Dhanusha over a TikTok video, spread to Birgunj. The police confirmed that several individuals have been taken into custody and an investigation is underway.
The controversy began when two youths, Haider Ansari and Amanat Ansari, uploaded a video on TikTok in Janakpur, Dhanusha. Locals claimed the video hurt religious sentiments and handed the youths over to the police.
While discussions were ongoing at the Area Police Office in Khajuri, clashes erupted between groups supporting and opposing the arrests. The conflict primarily involved the Khajuri and Janakpur areas of Dhanusha.
In Birgunj, youths, reacting to debates on social media both supporting and criticizing the arrests, staged demonstrations by burning tires near the Clock Tower from early Sunday.
“To bring the situation under control, police had to resort to lathicharge in Birgunj,” said Madhesh Province Chief DIG Govinda Thapaliya. “Given the heightened security challenges, alerts have been increased across the province.”
The unrest, initially sparked in Dhanusha and Parsa, escalated via TikTok, as both sides took to the streets over issues affecting religious and communal sentiments.
DIG Thapaliya said the situation is now under control. “Some of those involved have been taken into custody, and investigations are ongoing. We appeal to local religious communities and political parties to maintain social harmony,” he added.
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