Curfew in Nepal after mosque vandalism sparks protests

A curfew has been imposed in a key border city in southern Nepal after Hindu and Muslim groups began protesting against each other following vandalism of a mosque.

In the curfew order issued by Parsa District Governorship, it was stated that no one would be allowed to go out on the streets, and all meetings and demonstrations were banned.

The declaration also warned that violators could be shot by security forces.

Armed soldiers and police officers were patrolling the streets of Birgunj, 130 km south of the capital Kathmandu, a key border point for most imports of oil, goods and supplies into Nepal from neighboring India.

Muslim groups began protesting on the streets of Birgunj on Sunday against vandalism of a mosque in a nearby town, followed by a separate demonstration by Hindu followers the same day.

Protests have continued since then.

There were no major clashes between the two groups and no serious injuries were recorded; It was only reported that there was a fight with the riot police.

Conflicts between Hindus and Muslims are rare in Nepal, a predominantly Hindu country where the Muslim population is mostly located in the border areas in the southern part of the country.