Parsa [Nepal], January 4: Security has been heightened across Nepal’s Madhesh province following religious tensions in Birgunj and Janakpur that erupted over a TikTok video, officials said on Sunday.
According to authorities, tensions flared in Kamala Municipality in Dhanusha district after a dispute between two groups triggered by religiously targeted comments posted on TikTok. The incident led to protests in both Birgunj and Janakpur.
The controversy reportedly began when two youths, identified as Haider Ansari and Amanat Ansari, uploaded a video on TikTok in Janakpur, Dhanusha. Local residents alleged that the content hurt religious sentiments and subsequently handed the youths over to the police.
“We have arrested three people for allegedly posting the TikTok video and for their involvement in vandalism,” Deputy Superintendent of Police Ganesh Bam, spokesperson for the Dhanusha Police, told ANI.
Tensions escalated in Ward 6 of Kamala Municipality after a mosque was vandalized. In response, demonstrators staged rallies in and around Birgunj, burning tires and chanting slogans.
A brief clash broke out between protesters and police at Chhapkaiya Idgah Chowk in Birgunj. Police fired tear gas to bring the situation under control.
“We fired five rounds of tear gas to control the situation. The situation is now under control,” Sudipraj Pathak, Chief of Parsa Police, told ANI.
Following the unrest, security was increased across all eight districts of Madhesh province, with additional personnel deployed in areas identified as potential flashpoints.
During the clash in Birgunj, seven police personnel sustained minor injuries. Police officials said they used minimal force and focused on extinguishing burning tires.
Authorities said the unrest, which initially began in Dhanusha and Parsa districts, escalated through social media as groups took to the streets over issues affecting religious and communal sentiments. (ANI)
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