A Hindu-Muslim clash at Lalpur area of Gulariya Municipality in Bardiya prompted the authorities to clamp a curfew on Monday.

According to the District Administration Office, the curfew order was issued to stop violence from spiralling out of control. 

Chief District Officer Narayan Bhattarai said the tension between the two sides began on Sunday the day the local Hindus were due to immerse the idol of goddess Durga and the local Muslims were observing Tazia, a religious procession. 

The clash erupted on Monday morning as both sides were staging demonstrations against each other.

They hurled stones and even torched a shop, which led security personnel to intervene by use of force.

Police fired some warning shots and lobbed several rounds of teargas shells to disperse the violent mob.

The injured people were taken to Bardiya District Hospital for treatment.

While the local administration held talks with the two parties to resolve the dispute, Lalpur area wore a deserted look throughout Monday. (pr)