Simara / Bara, Nepal – A fresh wave of youth-led unrest has gripped Nepal’s Bara district as protesters identifying themselves with the “Gen Z” movement clashed again with cadres of the CPN-UML, prompting authorities to impose a curfew.
The curfew, enforced from 1 PM to 8 PM local time, was reinstated after demonstrators returned to the streets of Simara for a second consecutive day. According to local officials, the protest erupted due to accusations that UML cadres had assaulted Gen Z activists the previous day — violence left six young protesters injured.
Youth leaders say their complaint named six UML members, but only two local ward chairs — Dhan Bahadur Shrestha (Ward 2) and Kaimudin Ansari (Ward 6) — have been detained so far. Tensions escalated when tear gas was used near Simara Airport, forcing a temporary halt of airport operations.
Security forces are on high alert: authorities have deployed police to sensitive areas, and curbs on public gatherings remain in place. The unrest follows the larger Gen-Z uprising earlier this year, which began with a social media ban and massive anti-corruption protests.
Human Rights Watch has previously raised concerns over the force used during the protests, calling for a transparent and independent investigation into alleged rights violations. The ongoing demonstrations are being closely watched as Nepal prepares for general elections scheduled for 5 March 2026, raising fears of further instability in a politically fragile nation.
