Birgunj [Nepal], November 20 (ANI): Tension persisted for the second consecutive day on Thursday in Nepal’s Bara district, which borders the Indian state of Bihar, as youths identifying themselves as Gen Zers returned to the streets a day after clashing with CPN-UML cadres.
Protesters continued to gather across Simara, confronting police since early morning. Local authorities imposed a curfew from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. (local time) in an attempt to contain the unrest.
“Curfew has been reimposed following the clash with the police to bring the situation under control,” Assistant Chief District Officer Chhabiraman Subedi told ANI over the phone. The agitated Gen Z protesters have accused police of failing to arrest those named in their complaint related to Wednesday’s confrontation.
On November 19, six Gen Z supporters were injured, and the group filed a complaint against six UML cadres over the clash near Simara Chowk, close to the Simara Airport.
Police on Wednesday detained Ward Chair Dhan Bahadur Shrestha of Ward 2 of Jeetpursimara Sub-Metropolitan City, along with Ward Chair Kaimudin Ansari of Ward 6, in connection with the violence. Officers also fired tear gas after tensions escalated near the airport, forcing authorities to halt airport operations.
The unrest began on Wednesday after UML (Unified Marxist–Leninist) leaders planned a visit to the district ahead of elections scheduled for March 5, 2026. Experts have raised concerns over security conditions, particularly regarding hundreds of inmates who remain at large along with a significant number of weapons missing since they were looted during the September uprising.
Nepal has been in a period of political transition following the regime change in September, when protests forced then–Prime Minister and UML Chairman KP Oli to resign. The two-day unrest resulted in 76 deaths nationwide. A new government, led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, was formed on September 12. On the day of her appointment, Karki recommended dissolving parliament and calling for fresh elections.
Acting on the recommendation, President Ram Chandra Paudel dissolved parliament and set the next election date for March 5, 2026.
About The Author
