Fresh political unrest has erupted in Nepal’s southern Bara district as youth protesters clashed once again with cadres of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), prompting authorities to reimpose a curfew on Thursday. At least 10 people, including four police personnel, were injured in the violence that broke out in the busy Simara Chowk area.
According to officials, tensions escalated early in the day when Gen Z youth protest groups returned to the streets, accusing the police of failing to arrest two top UML leaders allegedly involved in Wednesday’s confrontation. Despite a curfew scheduled from 1 pm to 8 pm, protesters began assembling by 11 am, demanding accountability and blocking UML activities in the district.
Local authorities said the curfew was necessary to prevent further clashes between the two sides and to stabilise the situation in the border district adjoining India.
Security Council Meets as Political Temperatures Rise
With tensions intensifying ahead of Nepal’s national elections scheduled for March 5, 2026, Prime Minister Sushila Karki convened an emergency meeting of the Security Council along with chiefs of all major security agencies. Karki appealed to political parties, youth groups, and security forces to cooperate and maintain peace during this sensitive period.
“The government supports freedom of speech and movement, and will discourage any activities that obstruct these rights,” the prime minister said in a statement issued after the meeting. She urged all sides to act with restraint to prevent escalation.
How the Clashes Started
Violence first erupted on Wednesday when news spread that UML general secretary Shankar Pokharel and youth leader Mahesh Basnet were flying to Simara to address an anti-government rally. Hundreds of Gen Z protesters gathered near the airport to oppose their arrival, accusing the party of provoking instability.
The confrontation quickly spiraled into a street clash as UML cadres responded, leading to the district administration imposing an immediate curfew. The UML rally was cancelled following the unrest.
Sources within the UML said former prime minister K P Sharma Oli—angry over the cancellation of the party’s programme—had asked his supporters to “retaliate” if their activities were obstructed. The party is expected to hold a large rally in Kathmandu on Friday to launch its planned National Volunteers Service initiative.
Backdrop: From Social Media Ban to Nationwide Uprising
The renewed tensions come two months after the massive Gen Z–led uprising in September, triggered initially by Oli’s government’s brief social media ban. The protests quickly expanded into a nationwide anti-corruption movement, resulting in violent confrontations that killed 78 people.
During the upheaval, several government buildings—including Parliament—were torched, ultimately forcing Oli to step down. Since his ouster, Oli has been living under private security arrangements organised by this party.
As Nepal prepares for a crucial election year, the resurgence of clashes between empowered youth groups and the former ruling party has raised concerns over political stability, security preparedness, and the future direction of the country’s democracy.
