BARA (NEPAL): Authorities in Nepal imposed a day-long curfew in parts of Bara district on Thursday after renewed clashes broke out between Gen Z protesters and supporters of the Communist Party of Nepal–Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML), the party of former prime minister KP Sharma Oli who was ousted in September’s violent uprising. Gatherings have been banned across key pockets of the district as officials attempt to restore order.
Fresh unrest erupts near Simara
Tensions escalated on Wednesday when both Gen Z demonstrators and CPN-UML workers held simultaneous rallies in the Simara area, leading to scuffles that spread across several neighbourhoods, including locations close to the airport. Fearing further violence, the district administration imposed a curfew until 8 pm (local time) on Thursday.
Nepal Police spokesman Abi Narayan Kafle told AFP that the situation had been brought under control. “The situation is normal… No one was severely injured,” he said, adding that authorities were maintaining strict surveillance.
Prime minister urges calm ahead of 2026 elections
Nepal’s interim prime minister Sushila Karki appealed for restraint and urged all political groups to “refrain from unwanted political provocation.” She emphasised the need to maintain stability as the nation prepares for general elections scheduled for March 5, 2026.
“I have directed the Home Administration and security agencies to work with utmost restraint and preparation to maintain peace and order,” her statement read. Karki also assured that her government would ensure safe movement for leaders of all political parties and create a “fair and fear-free environment” in the lead-up to the polls.
Later on Wednesday, Karki held discussions with representatives from more than 110 political parties, reiterating her commitment to a peaceful democratic transition. “We want this country to be in the hands of a new generation and managed by people with vision,” she said.
Background: Nepal’s deadly Gen Z uprising
The latest clashes follow the country’s most significant unrest in decades — the Gen Z–led protests of September 8 and 9, which resulted in at least 76 deaths. The unrest initially began as outrage against a temporary government social media ban imposed by the Oli administration. However, anger quickly broadened into widespread frustration over long-standing issues such as unemployment, corruption, crumbling governance and a stagnant economy.
The protests spiralled into large-scale violence, with parliament, courts and government offices set ablaze. The upheaval ultimately led to the removal of former prime minister KP Sharma Oli, 73, and the appointment of former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, also 73, as the interim prime minister tasked with steering the country toward elections.
Curfew expected to ease, but tensions remain
Officials expect the curfew in Bara to be lifted after assessment, though the underlying tensions remain unresolved. Police and local administrations have been instructed to maintain heightened preparedness to prevent any repeat of the September violence.
While the government continues to appeal for calm, political polarisation remains high, particularly among the youth who were emboldened during the Gen Z uprising. With elections just over a year away, Nepal faces a challenging path ahead as it attempts to stabilise governance, rebuild institutions and restore public trust.