Hanuman jamnotsav rally attacked in Nepal’s Birgunj; Curfew imposed amid violence

Tensions ran high in Nepal’s Birgunj on Saturday, 12th April, after a Hanuman Jayanti procession was attacked by a Muslim mob, triggering violence that left several injured and caused property damage. The incident occurred near Shreeram Hall Chowk in Chapkaiya-3, when Hindu organisations were taking out a religious procession to mark the festival.

Eyewitnesses report that as the procession passed through a locality in Chapkaiya, a group of people began pelting stones, escalating the situation quickly into chaos. Several people, including police personnel, sustained injuries in the attack. In the ensuing violence, multiple vehicles were torched by the mob, further worsening the law and order situation.

To bring the situation under control, security forces deployed in the area resorted to firing tear gas shells. The violence prompted the District Administration Office in Parsa to take immediate action by imposing a curfew from 6:30 pm on Saturday. The curfew is set to remain in place until 12 noon on Sunday, 13th April.

“The local administration office has issued a curfew order in the main market area of Birgunj from 6:30 pm today till 12 noon tomorrow,” confirmed Superintendent of Police Gautam Mishra. Chief District Officer Ganesh Dayal stated that the curfew was necessary to restore peace and ensure the safety of citizens amid the unrest.

The curfew has been enforced in key areas of the city, including Bhediyahi Chowk, Sirsia Bridge, Shankaracharya Gate, Gandak Chowk, and various wards of the Birgunj Metropolitan City. Authorities have prohibited all forms of movement during the curfew hours and urged residents to remain indoors.