Nepal’s Bara district is under curfew as new clashes erupted between GenZ protesters and cadres of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist Leninist) (CPN UML). The reimposed curfew comes amid escalating political tensions following the fall of the previous government. Security forces are on high alert to maintain order.
The confrontations intensified when young demonstrators, vocal in recent political movements, clashed with UML supporters. The district administration office stated the curfew is in effect to de-escalate rising tensions and restore peace. This surge in unrest highlights ongoing instability in the country.
The latest conflict was triggered by an incident involving a Buddha Air flight scheduled to carry CPN UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel and youth leader Mahesh Basnet from Kathmandu to Simara. The leaders were en route to an anti-government rally. Upon learning of their flight, GenZ protesters gathered at the airport to protest their arrival, leading to a confrontation with local UML party members.
Buddha Air subsequently canceled all its domestic flights to Simara for the day, including the flight carrying the two CPN UML leaders, who then returned to Kathmandu. The CPN UML has been organizing protests nationwide, demanding the reinstatement of the House of Representatives. This follows the recent ‘GenZ movement’ that contributed to the downfall of the former administration. Protesters are also demanding accountability for alleged protester deaths on September 9 during demonstrations against corruption and a proposed social media ban.