Curfew has been enforced in several parts of Nepal after fresh protest erupted between youth-led Gen Z protestors and supporters of the former ruling party that was toppled during the deadly September uprising.
Authorities have banned all public gatherings in Bara district, where members of the Gen Z movement confronted loyalists of ousted prime minister KP Sharma Oli’s Communist Party of Nepal–Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML).
The district administration announced that the curfew will remain in effect until 8 pm (local time) on Thursday to prevent further violence and restore order.
Tensions escalated on Wednesday when both groups marched through the Simara area of Bara district. Scuffles soon broke out, some near the local airport, leading officials to impose immediate restrictions.
Despite the unrest, Nepal Police spokesperson Abi Narayan Kafle told AFP that the situation was “normal” and that no serious injuries had been reported.
Prime Minister Sushila Karki appealed for calm, urging all political groups to avoid provocation and maintain peace ahead of the national elections scheduled for March 5, 2026.
She stated that security forces have been directed to act with “restraint and preparation” to ensure a safe political environment. Karki also met with representatives of over 110 parties, stressing the need for leadership from a “new generation” to guide the nation forward.
Background: Nepal ’s Gen Z Protest
The Gen Z-led protests in September turned violent after a controversial social media ban, leaving at least 76 people dead. Years of frustration over economic stagnation and deep corruption fueled the unrest, culminating in widespread arson targeting government buildings and the removal of Oli from power.
Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, now interim prime minister, has been tasked with steering the country toward elections in 2026.