Lockdown Imposed: Nepalgunj Under Indefinite Curfew to Maintain Peace
Nepalgunj, Nepal - October 06, 2023:In a significant development, tensions between the Hindu and Muslim communities in the southwestern city of Nepalgunj have simmered down, with a peaceful night reported following the imposition of a lockdown and heightened security measures, according to local officials.
The trouble first erupted in Nepalgunj, a regional hub city, over the weekend when a Hindu boy posted a controversial social media status concerning Muslims. This post sparked protests by the Muslim community within the premises of the region's primary government administrator's office, leading to street demonstrations with burning tires and traffic blockades.
The situation escalated further on Tuesday when a larger Hindu rally was organized. Unfortunately, this rally took a violent turn as stones and bottles were hurled at the protesters, resulting in a few minor injuries.
In response to the escalating tensions, an indefinite curfew was imposed on Tuesday afternoon in Nepalgunj, located approximately 400 kilometers (250 miles) west of the capital, Kathmandu. This curfew was implemented immediately following the attack on the Hindu protest.
Santosh Rathore, the local police chief, reported that law enforcement officers have been patrolling the city, and residents have been prohibited from leaving their homes or congregating in groups during the lockdown. Fortunately, there have been no reports of disturbances overnight or on Wednesday morning.
Authorities have clarified that the stay-at-home order and the ban on gatherings are essential to prevent further clashes between the Hindu and Muslim communities. Communal violence is relatively uncommon in Nepal, which was predominantly Hindu until becoming a secular nation just a few years ago.
It is worth noting that Nepalgunj has a significant Muslim population, accounting for approximately one-third of its residents. This situation bears relevance to neighboring India, where religious tensions have been on the rise, as only about 14% of India's population is Muslim. The city's proximity to the Indian border has prompted concerns about the potential spillover of religious divide into Nepal.
As the situation remains delicate, authorities continue to closely monitor the region, striving to maintain peace and harmony among its diverse communities.
