Authorities have imposed a curfew in Birgunj, a major southern Nepalese border city, following protests between Hindu and Muslim groups after a mosque was vandalized over the weekend, officials said Tuesday.
The Parsa District Administration’s order bans all public gatherings and demonstrations, and requires residents to stay off the streets. The notice warned that security forces may use firearms against anyone violating the curfew.
Armed soldiers and police are patrolling the streets of Birgunj, about 130 kilometers (80 miles) south of the capital Kathmandu. The city serves as a key gateway for oil, goods, and other supplies imported from neighboring India into Nepal.
The unrest began on Sunday when Muslim groups protested the vandalism of a mosque in a nearby town. Later the same day, Hindu groups held a separate demonstration. Protests have continued since then.
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Officials said there have been no major clashes or serious injuries, though some minor scuffles with riot police have occurred.
Such conflicts between Hindus and Muslims are uncommon in Nepal, a predominantly Hindu country, where most of the Muslim population resides in southern border districts.