Nepal Imposes Curfew in Birgunj Ahead of March 5 Polls

Tensions have escalated in southern Nepal ahead of the March 5, 2026 general elections, prompting authorities to impose strict security measures in key border districts of the Madhesh Province. In Birgunj of Parsa District, an indefinite curfew was enforced from 9:45 AM on February 23 after a minor dispute over motorcycle parking in the Shripur area spiraled into communal clashes marked by provocative slogans between Hindu and Muslim groups.

The curfew remains in place within the Birgunj Bypass, Sirsiya River, Gandak Chowk and Shankaracharya Gate boundaries, with officials stating the situation is under control but warning that gatherings and demonstrations are strictly prohibited.

Meanwhile, in neighboring Gaur of Rautahat District, tensions that erupted on February 19 after a wedding procession passed a mosque during religious rituals have eased. Fresh violence on February 21, including stone-pelting and the torching of a vehicle that left at least eight people injured, led to a two-day indefinite curfew that was lifted at 10:00 AM on February 23 following dialogue between community leaders.

 The unrest comes as Nepal prepares for its first general election since the September 2025 “Gen Z” protests that brought down the previous coalition government, with around 320,000 security personnel deployed nationwide and nearly 4,600 polling booths identified as highly sensitive, many of them in Madhesh Province.