Birgunj tense as two communities clash

KATHMANDU: Tensions flared in Chhapkaiya of Parsa on Saturday afternoon as clashes broke out between two communities during a Hanuman Jayanti celebration.

According to SP Gautam Mishra, chief of District Police Office, Parsa, the altercation occurred during a religious procession organized for Hanuman Jayanti celebration.

Police fired 20 to 25 rounds of tear gas and a single round of warning shots in the air to bring the situation under control, he said.

Participants in the procession alleged that the opposing group started throwing stones as the march reached Chhapkaiya. “Stone-pelting occurred from both sides. The situation remained tense,” SP Mishra told Himal Press.

Some shops were reportedly set on fire during the clash. Several individuals, including local residents and police officers, were injured. Among the injured is a police inspector, SP Mishra said, adding that further details are still emerging.