Mosque Vandalism and Viral Clips Fuel Regional Unrest

New Delhi, January 6, 2026: A wave of severe communal tension has been triggered in southern Nepal following a series of provocative social media posts and retaliatory violence. On January 4, 2026, unrest flared in the towns of Birgunj and Janakpur after a TikTok video allegedly containing derogatory religious remarks went viral. The situation rapidly deteriorated when a mosque in the Sakhuwa Maran area of Dhanusha district was vandalized by a mob, leading to widespread protests and clashes between rival groups and security forces near the Indian border.

Viral Content and Retaliatory Violence

The initial friction was caused by a video uploaded by two local youths, which was perceived by many as an attack on religious sentiments. In the aftermath of the clip’s circulation, a religious site was targeted, and copies of sacred texts were reportedly damaged. It was observed that the digital controversy acted as a catalyst for physical violence, as demonstrators took to the streets in Birgunj, burning tires and chanting slogans. The escalating situation forced local authorities to deploy large numbers of police personnel to prevent the unrest from spreading to neighboring districts.

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Enforcement of Curfew and Police Action

By the evening of January 5, 2026, a full curfew was imposed in Birgunj by the Parsa District Administration Office to regain control of the volatile environment. It was reported that police were forced to fire tear gas shells to disperse violent crowds after demonstrators began pelting stones at security forces and vandalizing a police station. At least seven police personnel were injured in the clashes. The curfew, which includes “shoot on sight” orders for those violating restrictions during critical hours, has been extended as authorities continue to monitor the simmering tension.

Border Restrictions and High-Security Alert

The unrest has had an immediate impact on cross-border movement, with India reportedly sealing its borders with Nepal in the affected region of Bihar. Only emergency services are being permitted to cross as a high-security alert remains in place on both sides of the frontier. It has been emphasized by the Chief District Officer that individuals involved in spreading false rumors or fomenting cultural animosity on platforms like Facebook and TikTok are being closely tracked. Legal action has been promised against those found guilty of damaging religious property or disturbing social harmony.

Calls for Peace and Social Harmony

As of January 6, 2026, the local administration in the Madhesh Province has issued a public appeal for calm and restraint. Residents have been urged not to engage in activities that could further damage the social fabric of the region. While several individuals have been detained in connection with the original TikTok video and the subsequent vandalism, the atmosphere remains tense. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the power of social media to incite real-world conflict and the importance of communal vigilance in maintaining peace.