Religious Tensions in Nepal: A Report on the Recent Clashes between Hindus and Muslims in Birgunj

Introduction:

Nepal is a country with a diverse religious landscape, but it has been facing religious tensions in recent times. In this report, we will discuss the recent clashes between Hindus and Muslims in Birgunj, Nepal, and the current situation.

Clashes between Hindus and Muslims during Ram Navami:

According to a report by BBC Hindi, there were clashes between Hindus and Muslims during Ram Navami rallies in two towns of Madhes, Janakpur, and Birgunj[2]. The clashes were reported to have occurred for the first time in Nepal. However, the recent clashes in Birgunj were not related to Ram Navami.

Lockdown and security measures in Birgunj to prevent clashes:

On October 3, 2023, a lockdown was imposed, and security was heightened in Birgunj to prevent clashes between Hindus and Muslims[1]. The trouble began in the regional hub city of Nepalgunj over the weekend after a Hindu boy posted a status about Muslims on social media. Muslims protested the status inside the region’s main government administrator’s office building, burned tires on the streets, and blocked traffic[1]. The situation escalated quickly, and the authorities had to impose a curfew to prevent further violence.

Threats of cow slaughter and beef eating by Muslims:

According to an article by Organiser, Muslims in Nepal are threatening Hindus with open cow slaughter and beef eating[3]. The article also states that mosques are being built randomly, and there is a growing threat of Islamic communalism in Nepal.

Protests and tensions in Birgunj:

Following the recent clashes, Hindus in Birgunj protested and tried to shut down markets and shops[7]. However, local authorities intervened and stopped such activities. Later, an amity rally was organized in Birgunj to avoid any untoward incident[6]. The mayor of Birgunj metropolis also submitted a memorandum to the acting chief district officer, stressing the need for taking action immediately against those involved in the activities of disrupting social harmony and spreading ethnic conflict[6].

Conclusion:

Nepal's religious landscape is diverse, but it has been facing religious tensions in recent times. The recent clashes between Hindus and Muslims in Birgunj have led to a lockdown and heightened security measures. The situation escalated quickly, and the authorities had to impose a curfew to prevent further violence. The threats of cow slaughter and beef eating by Muslims have also added to the tensions. However, an amity rally was organized in Birgunj to avoid any untoward incident, and the mayor of Birgunj metropolis stressed the need for taking action immediately against those involved in the activities of disrupting social harmony and spreading ethnic conflict.

the recent communal tension between Hindus and Muslims in Birgunj, Nepal was not related to threats of cow slaughter and beef eating by Muslims. The trouble began in the regional hub city of Nepalgunj over the weekend after a Hindu boy posted a status about Muslims on social media. Muslims protested the status inside the region’s main government administrator’s office building, burned tires on the streets, and blocked traffic. The situation escalated quickly, and the authorities had to impose a curfew to prevent further violence. A lockdown was imposed, and security was heightened in Birgunj to prevent clashes between Hindus and Muslims. The recent clashes were not related to Ram Navami.

Citations:

[1] https://apnews.com/article/nepal-lockdown-nepalgunj-hindu-muslim-protests-67d33b313237d757ad8e5fb7f21ec81e

[2] https://thewire.in/article/communalism/nepal-sees-communal-tensions-at-ram-navami-rallies-for-the-first-time-report

[3] https://organiser.org/2023/10/01/198286/opinion/nepal-is-under-the-growing-threat-of-islamic-communalism/

[4] https://youtube.com/watch?v=TMeZaIqkkRs

[5] https://www.state.gov/reports/2021-report-on-international-religious-freedom/nepal/

[6] https://www.nepalnews.com/s/nation/amity-rally-held-in-birgunj

[7] https://thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/daos-imposing-curfews-to-control-possible-riots