Fresh clashes have forced authorities to impose a curfew in Nepal’s Bara district, a significant development months after a change in government. The unrest involves GenZ activists clashing with supporters of the CPN UML, led by former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Security forces have been deployed to prevent further violence and restore normalcy.
The current wave of confrontations began earlier in the week, escalating when young demonstrators engaged with UML party cadres. The district administration has mandated the curfew until 8 PM local time on Thursday, citing the necessity to calm the volatile situation. This marks a concerning escalation in Nepal’s ongoing political instability.
A Buddha Air flight carrying prominent CPN UML figures, General Secretary Shankar Pokharel and youth leader Mahesh Basnet, was identified as the catalyst for the latest outbreak. The flight was headed to Simara for an anti-government rally. News of their travel prompted GenZ protesters to assemble at the airport, resulting in a direct clash with UML supporters.
Following the airport incident, Buddha Air suspended its Simara-bound domestic flights for the day, leading to the return of the CPN UML leaders. The party has been actively protesting across Nepal, advocating for the reinstatement of the House of Representatives. This movement gained momentum after the ‘GenZ movement’ that led to the ousting of the Oli government. Concurrently, GenZ activists are demanding justice for alleged deaths during protests against corruption and a controversial social media ban.