Nepal Gen-Z protest returns: Authorities impose curfew as demonstrations resurge

New Delhi: Tensions ran high in Nepal on Thursday as renewed protests by the Gen Z movement led to clashes with CPN-UML cadres, followed by a curfew imposed by the authorities. The escalating unrest highlights the volatile political landscape in Nepal following a recent regime change and upcoming elections.

The day began with Gen Z activists gathering peacefully at Simara Chowk around 11 am, voicing their grievances. However, their protest took a violent turn when, according to Gen Z leaders quoted by the local media, local CPN-UML cadres attacked them in the presence of a police contingent.

Gen Z district coordinator Samrat Upadhyaya alleged that despite the presence of over a thousand police personnel, the cadres initiated an assault, and the police themselves resorted to baton charges, appearing to protect the UML cadres. Upadhyaya reported sustaining injuries to his head, forehead, back, and face, with at least seven Gen Z supporters injured in the confrontation.

The immediate catalyst for Thursday's protests was the failure of the police to arrest individuals named in a complaint filed by Gen Z regarding clashes that erupted on Wednesday. On November 19, six Gen Z supporters were injured in a confrontation at Simara Chowk, near the Simara airport, after which the group complained six CPN-UML cadres.

The unrest on Wednesday was sparked by the news of CPN-UML leaders Shankar Pokharel and Mahesh Basnet arriving in Simara via Buddha Air flight. Gen Z protesters, known for their opposition to former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's party, gathered to demonstrate their dissent. This led to immediate clashes with local party cadres at the airport. The ensuing violence was so severe that Buddha Airlines was forced to cancel all domestic flights between Kathmandu and Simara for the day, including the flight carrying the CPN-UML leaders.

The Gen Z activists are adamant about seeking action against those named in their complaint over Wednesday's clash. Samrat Upadhyaya reiterated that the protests resumed on Thursday because several of the accused had not yet been detained. While local news reports indicate that two individuals have since been arrested, Gen Z leaders express dissatisfaction, claiming the police have been ineffective in apprehending all those responsible.

The CPN-UML had reportedly planned to hold its 'Youth Awakening Campaign' in Parwanipur on Wednesday, the same day the initial clashes occurred. Gen Z's opposition to the party's presence and activities in the region appears to be a key driver of the ongoing conflict.

Nepal is currently navigating a delicate period of political transition following a significant regime change in September. Gen Z protesters played a notable role in that transition, reportedly forcing the resignation of then-Prime Minister and UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli after a two-day demonstration that resulted in 76 deaths. A new government was formed on September 12th, led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, who subsequently recommended dissolving parliament and calling for new elections, now slated for March 5, 2026.

The events in Simara highlight the deep-seated political divisions and the ongoing power struggles in Nepal, with the youth-led Gen Z movement emerging as a potent force challenging established political parties. The imposition of a curfew from 12:45 pm to 8 pm in Simara reflects the authorities' efforts to regain control and quell the escalating violence.