Nepal’s Bara district is experiencing significant unrest, prompting the imposition of a curfew after clashes erupted between GenZ protesters and supporters of the CPN UML. This development comes months after a shift in the national government and highlights persistent political instability.
The curfew, enacted by the district administration office, is designed to quell escalating tensions and prevent further violence. The clashes occurred when young activists, a driving force behind recent political changes, confronted UML cadres. Security personnel are actively managing key areas to ensure public safety and order.
The immediate trigger for the recent escalations was an airport incident. A Buddha Air flight carrying senior CPN UML officials, including General Secretary Shankar Pokharel and youth leader Mahesh Basnet, was en route to Simara to address an anti-government gathering. Protesters, alerted to their travel plans, converged at the airport, leading to a confrontation with local party members.
As a consequence, Buddha Air was forced to cancel all flights to Simara for the day. The CPN UML leaders returned to Kathmandu. The party has been vocal in its demand for the reinstatement of the dissolved House of Representatives, a key issue following the ‘GenZ movement’ that previously challenged the government. Furthermore, GenZ activists are pushing for an investigation into alleged fatalities during protests against corruption and a proposed social media restriction.