Nepal Gen Z Protests Trigger Curfew as Clashes Escalate in Bara District

Parts of Nepal, especially Bara district, are under curfew after new clashes erupted between young protesters and supporters of the former ruling party. The unrest comes months after a deadly Gen Z uprising in September, which had already claimed at least 76 lives.

The fresh clashes occurred on Wednesday in the Simara area of Bara district, with protests from young Gen Z members meeting counter-rallies from the ousted prime minister KP Sharma Oli's Communist Party of Nepal – Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML). Some scuffles took place near Simara airport, prompting authorities to ban public gatherings and enforce a curfew until 8 pm local time on Thursday to restore order.

Despite the tension, police said the situation was largely under control, and no serious injuries were reported. Nepal's Prime Minister Sushila Karki urged calm and appealed to all groups to avoid political provocation, emphasizing the importance of trusting the democratic process ahead of national elections scheduled for March 5, 2026.

The prime minister also directed home and security agencies to maintain peace and ensure the safe movement of leaders from all political parties. She held a meeting with representatives from over 110 parties, stressing the need for a new generation of leaders with vision to guide the country.

Nepal’s Gen Z protests first erupted in September after a brief government ban on social media triggered widespread anger. The demonstrations quickly turned violent, fueled by public frustration over economic stagnation and corruption, leading to the ousting of four-time premier KP Sharma Oli. During the September unrest, key government offices, courts, and parliament buildings were damaged or torched.

The recent flare-up in Bara district shows that tensions remain high as the country prepares for upcoming elections. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further violence and maintain law and order.