Curfew in Nepal’s Birgunj After Religious Violence: Army Takes Command for Indefinite Period
Birgunj/Raxaul: February 23, 2026
Tension grips Nepal’s border city Birgunj after violent clash between two groups Sunday evening. Parsa district administration imposed indefinite curfew from 9:45 AM Monday across entire metropolitan area to control situation.
Fight began near religious site in Ward 11, Shripur—minor dispute escalated to bloody stone-pelting. ~Half dozen injured including Lalan Mahato, Amar Mahato, Dhiraj Sah under treatment at Narayani Hospital. Police resorted to lathi charge.
Nepal Police, Armed Police Force (APF), and Army deployed on streets. Two suspects arrested; main accused, CPN (UML) Madhesh committee member Muhammad Nizam, remains fugitive.
India-Nepal Maitri Bridge traffic halted—Holi shoppers stranded both sides. Indian SSB/local police on high alert to prevent spillover.
Admin Warning: Strict action against curfew violators; fears of election-time conspiracy to incite sectarian tension.