Mob attacks mosque, desecrates Quran in Nepal

KATHMANDU, Nepal (MNTV) — A mosque was vandalized by a mob of Hindu extremists in southern Nepal over the weekend, triggering protests by Muslim communities, police crackdowns in multiple cities, and the imposition of a curfew in a key border town.

The attack occurred on Saturday in the Sakhuwa Maran area of Kamala Municipality in Nepal’s Dhanusha district, where a group of men damaged a local mosque, pelted stones, and reportedly targeted nearby Muslim properties. The violence followed allegations by Hindu groups that two Muslim youths had shared content on social media deemed offensive to religious sentiments.

Local residents accused the two men — identified as Haider Ansari and Amanat Ansari — of posting a video that allegedly contained remarks insulting to certain religious communities. According to local accounts, the two were apprehended by residents and handed over to police on claims that the video threatened communal harmony. Despite their detention, tensions escalated, culminating in the attack on the mosque later that day.

Videos circulating on social media appeared to show groups of men vandalizing mosques, throwing stones, and ransacking Muslim-owned homes in parts of the district. Authorities have not yet verified the full extent of the damage captured in the footage.

In response to the mosque attack, Muslim groups organized demonstrations on Sunday in several cities, including Birgunj, a major commercial hub in Parsa district near the Indian border town of Raxaul. Protesters demanded accountability for those involved in the vandalism and protection for religious minorities.

However, demonstrations in Birgunj were met with force. Police fired tear gas shells to disperse crowds, drawing allegations of excessive use of force against peaceful demonstrators. Rights advocates said the response further inflamed tensions rather than restoring calm.

By Monday evening, authorities imposed a curfew in Birgunj after earlier prohibitory orders failed to prevent rival groups from assembling at multiple locations. Local administrations said the stricter measures were necessary to prevent further communal violence and restore public order.

Nepal, a secular republic with a Hindu-majority population, has witnessed sporadic communal tensions in recent years, with Muslim groups — a small minority — warning of rising hostility and selective law enforcement. 

Civil rights advocates have repeatedly called on authorities to ensure equal protection, prevent mob violence, and avoid collective punishment in cases involving allegations of online speech.