Birgunj regaining normalcy after lifting of curfew

Birgunj (Parsa), Jan 7: The normal life in Birgunj, Parsa district is gradually regaining normalcy from today after an all-party and all-sides meeting settled the dispute erupted involving two communities of differing social and religious faith.

The District Administration Office (DAO), Parsa had imposed a curfew in Birgunj Metropolitan City for the last two consecutive days after the tensions had flared up following a protest demonstration in Birgunj on Sunday.

The curfew was lifted on Tuesday at 3:00 pm onwards after which shops were gradually reopened while schools, markets and factories are in full operation from today.

According to Bhola Dahal, Chief District Officer (CDO) of Parsa, the situation is returning to normal in Birgunj following a consensus reached in an all-party and all-sides meeting on Tuesday.

CDO Dahal shared that the district administration had imposed a curfew since last Monday amid concerns that communal tension could escalate.

He said the measure was taken to maintain peace and security in view of the prospects of communal dispute further flaring up.

CDO Dahal further explained that the curfew was ordered to avert untoward incidents and to restore normalcy.

Since the curfew was lifted, local markets have become increasingly bustling yet again while the movement has resumed on the roads.

The protest was triggered by a dispute between Hindu and Muslim communities at Ward No 6 of Kamala Municipality in Dhanusha district last Sunday.

Members of the Muslim community protested the same day over alleged mosque vandalism and arson while Hindu groups staged protests on Monday accusing offensive remarks against Hindu temples and deities.

The situation later escalated into clashes between the protestors and police on Monday.