The local administration has imposed a prohibitory order in Bargada village of Maharajgunj Municipality of Kapilvastu district after a religious dispute between two communities escalated on Saturday morning.

The order, issued by the District Administration Office, came into effect from 2:00 pm on Saturday and will remain in force until further notice.

Tensions flared during the Muslim festival of Eid when a dispute broke out between members of the Muslim and Hindu communities over the reportedly loud playing of hymns at a nearby Kali temple while prayers were being offered at a mosque. The situation escalated into violence, with both sides engaging in stone-pelting.

Bhabishwor Ghimire, the acting chief district officer of Kapilvastu, issued the prohibitory order following the incident.

The order bans gatherings, rallies and protests within the designated area, which stretches from Bagardi Bridge in the east to Bahadurgunj Chowk in the west, Maharajgunj Bazaar in the north, and Hordouna in the south.

Ghimire warned that anyone violating the order would be taken into custody and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Six people, including security personnel and civilians, were injured in the clashes.

Protesters also obstructed the Taulihawa–Bahadurgunj road section by burning tyres at Gaidahawa in Maharajgunj.