Post by : Rameen Ariff

In Nepal, a curfew has been enforced in parts of Bara district following renewed violence between young demonstrators and backers of the former ruling party. This wave of protests is reminiscent of a devastating Gen Z uprising from September, which resulted in a toll of at least 76 lives.

The clashes broke out on Wednesday in the Simara locality, where protests led by Gen Z activists were met with counter-protests from the Communist Party of Nepal – Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML), associated with ousted Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Scuffles erupted near Simara airport, prompting authorities to ban crowds and impose a curfew until 8 pm local time on Thursday to restore peace.

While police reported that the situation was largely contained and no severe injuries occurred, Nepal's Prime Minister Sushila Karki called for calm. She urged political factions to refrain from inflammatory actions, highlighting the need for trust in the democratic process as national elections loom on March 5, 2026.

The Prime Minister also instructed home and law enforcement agencies to uphold order and ensure safe transit for leaders of all parties. She convened a meeting with representatives from over 110 political groups to advocate for a new generation of leaders capable of steering the nation forward.

The Gen Z protests initially emerged in September following a brief prohibition on social media, which ignited widespread outrage. The demonstrations escalated into violence fueled by public grievances regarding economic stagnation and corruption, culminating in the ousting of four-time PM KP Sharma Oli. The previous unrest resulted in significant damage to key government institutions, including offices, courts, and parliament buildings.

The latest unrest in Bara district underscores ongoing tensions as the nation gears up for its next elections. Authorities are vigilant to avert further outbreaks of violence and maintain stability.

#Global