Police opened fire in Maharajgunj Municipality in Kapilvastu amid a prohibitory order, leaving five protesters and two police personnel injured.

Police said they opened fire after clashes erupted with protesting locals at Jigana Chowk in Maharajganj Municipality-6, west of Bargadagaun.

Bargadagaun remained tense over a religious dispute between two communities on Saturday morning, prompting the local administration to impose a prohibitory order, which came into effect from 2:00 pm on Saturday until further notice.

Tensions flared up 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-throwing.

Acting Chief District Officer Bhabishwor Ghimire said three of the injured are undergoing treatment at Shivaraj Hospital in Bahadurganj. He added that details of the injured are being collected.

Meanwhile, protests continue in the Bahadurganj Bazaar of Krishnanagar Municipality, where restrictions remain in place.

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

The prohibitory order bans gatherings, assemblies, rallies and protests within the designated areas—from Bargadi Bridge in the east to Bahadurganj Chowk in the west, Maharajganj Bazaar in the north, and Hardauna in the south.

The order was enforced under Section 6 (3) (a) of the Local Administration Act, 2028. Ghimire said those violating the order will face legal action.