Clashes Erupt Between Hindu and Muslim Communities in Kapilvastu, Curfew Remains in Effect

Kapilvastu. The dispute between the Hindu and Muslim communities that began on Saturday morning in Kapilvastu has not yet ended. Clashes occurred between the Hindu and Muslim communities in the Bargada and Bahadurganj areas of Maharajganj Municipality-2 on Saturday while Muslims were celebrating Eid.

Police fired in the air to control the clash. Three people were injured in the scuffle.

The prohibitory order imposed by the District Administration Office, extending from Maharajganj market area to Bargadi bridge and Bahadurganj chowk, is still ongoing. All-party and multi-stakeholder discussions are currently underway to resolve the dispute, Kapilvastu Chief District Officer Janardan Gautam told Ratopati. He said, 'Discussions are ongoing; the curfew will remain in place until the dispute is resolved.'

Kapilvastu SP Santosh Acharya told Ratopati that the dispute started on Chaitra 7 when local members of the Muslim community were offering prayers at the Bargada mosque, and a DJ was being played at the nearby temple. As Chaitra Dashain approaches, the Hindu community also has a religious tradition of holding various programs at the temple.

The temple and mosque were vandalized by each other at the scene. Local political leaders and government officials are engaged in efforts to find a solution through multi-stakeholder discussions to maintain religious tolerance.