Gen-Z youths in Nepal have reignited protests in Simara, a town in Bara district, after a violent confrontation with activists from the CPN-UML party. The district administration has imposed a curfew from early afternoon to evening in Simara to try to contain the unrest. Business Standard+2Nepal News+2
On Wednesday, hundreds of young people gathered at Simara Airport to protest against the planned visit of senior UML leaders, including Shankar Pokharel and Mahesh Basnet, who were arriving for a party event. Business Standard+1 Tensions escalated into clashes between the Gen-Z group and local UML cadres. Kathmandu Post Police used tear gas, and the airport briefly suspended operations. Kathmandu Post+1
The curfew was imposed in a 500-metre area around the airport and along parts of the nearby road to prevent further gatherings. inseconline.org+1 Officials say this is the second day of curfew for Simara.
Protesters accuse the police of not arresting everyone they named in their complaint. So far, two local officials linked to UML have been detained: the ward chair of ward 2 and the ward chair of ward 6.
During Thursday’s rally, demonstrators returned to Simara Chowk despite the curfew. Four protesters were injured, and six police officers were also hurt. The Gen-Z leaders say they will not sit down for dialogue unless all six UML activists they named are arrested.
According to the youth, the arrested individuals were not the main accused. Meanwhile, security officials say they have begun an investigation into the cases.
The unrest is part of a larger political crisis in Nepal. Earlier this year, Gen-Z protests forced out the then Prime Minister, as young people rallied against corruption, elite privilege and a social media ban.
As of now, a heavy security presence remains in Simara, and protesters have warned they will intensify their demonstrations unless their demands are fully met.