The city of Nepalgunj in southwest Nepal experienced escalating tensions between Hindus and Muslims, but a peaceful night followed after authorities imposed a lockdown and heightened security measures. The trouble began when a Hindu boy posted a social media status about Muslims, leading to protests by Muslims inside the regional government administrator’s office, street tire burnings, and traffic blockades.

On Tuesday, a larger Hindu rally took place, but it turned violent when stones and bottles were thrown at protesters, resulting in a few minor injuries. In response, an indefinite curfew was imposed in Nepalgunj, and people were prohibited from leaving their homes or gathering in groups. Fortunately, there were no reports of trouble overnight or on Wednesday morning.

Authorities enforced the stay-at-home order to prevent further clashes between the two communities. Communal violence is unusual in Nepal, which is a Hindu-majority country that became secular just a few years ago. In Nepalgunj, Muslims constitute around a third of the population, and the town shares a border with India, which has witnessed a growing religious divide, with Muslims making up only about 14% of India’s population.

Source: with agencies