Fresh Gen-Z protest erupts in Nepal; curfew imposed
What's the story
Tensions continue to rise in Nepal's Bara district, bordering India's Bihar state, for the second day as Gen Z protesters clash with Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) cadres. The unrest erupted on Wednesday near Simara Airport after the protesters opposed the arrival of CPN-UML leaders to address an anti-government rally. A curfew has been imposed from 1:00pm to 8:00pm in Simara to prevent the situation from escalating.
Protest escalation
Protesters accuse police of inaction, clash with party cadres
The unrest began when news broke that CPN-UML leaders Shankar Pokharel and Mahesh Basnet were arriving at Simara by Buddha Air flight. The Gen Z protesters, opposed to former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's party, gathered in protest. This led to clashes with local party cadres at the airport and subsequent violence. The violence also forced Buddha Airlines to cancel all domestic flights between Kathmandu and Simara for the day. The flight carrying CPN-UML leaders was also canceled.
Accountability demands
Protesters demand accountability for alleged mass killings
The Gen Z activists are demanding action against those named in their complaint over Wednesday's clash. They have accused the police of failing to arrest them. Gen Z district coordinator Samrat Upadhyaya said they resumed protests on Thursday because some of the accused had not been detained. The police have since arrested two people, per local news.
Protesters
'Seven of us have been injured'
Gen Z leader Samrat Upadhyay, a local resident of Simara, told The Himalayan Times that 10-12 people had gathered peacefully to protest, but CPN-UML cadres attacked them. "Firstly, they stopped us from protesting, then launched an attack on us in front of over a thousand police personnel. Even police launched a baton charge on us and protected UML cadres," he said. "At least seven of us have been injured. I have sustained injuries on my head, forehead, back and face."
Protest
100-150 youths gathered at Simara Chowk
Per the Kathmandu Post, the UML had planned to hold its 'Youth Awakening Campaign' in Parwanipur on Wednesday. On Tuesday evening, Upadhyaya posted on Facebook, encouraging young people to protest in Simara against the "outgoing murderous regime." By 10:00am on Wednesday, 100-150 youths had gathered at Simara Chowk. Police used force to disperse them, and authorities also arrested six of the Gen Z protesters.
Nepal
Previous protest left 76 dead
Nepal is undergoing a period of political transition following the regime change in September, when Gen Z protesters forced then-PM and UML Chairman Oli to resign. The two-day demonstration resulted in 76 deaths. Following the fall of the Oli-led administration, a new government was formed on September 12th, led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, who, on the same day of her appointment, recommended dissolving parliament and calling for new elections. Election is slated for March 5, 2026.