Not in India, Hindu Workers Attacked Ahead of Religious Event by Muslims [Sunsari, Nepal]

(Repoerted as seen)

In Sunsari, Nepal, communal tensions have escalated following an attack on workers from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad who were promoting an upcoming religious event led by Bageshwar Dham Peethadhishwar Dhirendra Shastri. The incident, which occurred on 4th April, resulted in severe injuries to a Hindu youth named Jivan Mehta, sparking protests and clashes between Hindu and Muslim groups in the region.

The violence erupted when a mob of approximately 150-200 Muslims brutally assaulted Jivan Mehta after he took a bike from a school in Ramnagar, Harinagar, to escort his sister home. Despite the presence of police, the attackers pursued Mehta, who sought refuge in the school premises. However, the assailants entered the school and continued their assault, prompting Mehta to flee to the Ramnagar Bhutaha market.

Subsequently, Hindus staged protests and roadblocks to demand justice for Mehta and action against the perpetrators. In response, a mob of around 500 Muslims, led by Fayyaz Ansari, attacked the protesting Hindus, resulting in injuries to several individuals. The clashes, marked by chants of ‘Nara-e-Takbeer’ and ‘Allahu Akbar,’ left dozens wounded, including two Hindu youths who were shot and are currently receiving medical treatment.

Additionally, a Nepali journalist named Brahmadev Mehta was assaulted by the mob, led by Sajjad Ansari, a close aide of village municipality president Ghaffar Ansari. Brahmadev’s equipment was damaged, and he faced physical violence while covering the events unfolding in Sunsari.

The violence has prompted a curfew in Sunsari’s Ramnagar Bhutaha area, and heightened vigilance along the India-Nepal border. While the police are investigating the incident and identifying the attackers through available video footage, tensions remain high in the region.

The underlying tensions reportedly stem from previous disputes, including an incident during the consecration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, where members of the Muslim community allegedly tore down a saffron flag hoisted by Hindu youths in Gautampur, Harinagar. Despite efforts to resolve the issue, communal tensions have persisted, with Hindus expressing solidarity and demanding justice for the victims of the recent violence.

As the situation unfolds, it underscores the importance of maintaining communal harmony and upholding the rule of law to prevent further escalation of tensions and ensure the safety and security of all communities in Sunsari and beyond.