(Image source from: tamil.abplive.com)
A curfew has been enforced in certain areas of Nepal after new fights broke out between young demonstrators and supporters of the previous ruling party that was removed during a violent 'Gen Z' protest in September. Gatherings are not allowed in Bara district, where Gen Z participants clashed with backers of the overthrown former prime minister KP Sharma Oli's Communist Party of Nepal – Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML). The district authorities announced that the curfew will stay in effect until 8 pm local time on Thursday, stating that it is necessary to restore calm. The situation worsened on Wednesday when young protesters and CPN-UML members both held demonstrations in the Simara area of Bara district. Soon, fights erupted between the two groups, some occurring close to the airport, which led officials to enforce the curfew. "The situation is stable... No serious injuries occurred," said Nepal police spokesperson Abi Narayan Kafle to news agency AFP.
Nepal's prime minister, Sushila Karki, urged everyone to remain peaceful and asked all parties to "avoid unnecessary political conflict" and to have faith in the democratic process before the elections scheduled for March 5, 2026. "I have instructed the Home Administration and security forces to act with the highest level of caution and readiness to keep the peace," Karki mentioned in a statement released late on Wednesday. She expressed her desire to "ensure the safe movement of leaders from all political groups and foster a fair and fearless atmosphere for the elections." Karki also met on Wednesday with representatives from over 110 parties. "We want this nation to be led by a new generation and managed by visionary individuals," she stated during the meeting.
During protests on September 8 and 9, at least 76 individuals lost their lives due to frustrations over a temporary government ban on social media, led by demonstrators who identified under the broader "Gen Z" name. The uproar in September was ignited by the prior government's social media restriction, but the anger was rooted much deeper due to years of economic decline and persistent corruption that made the country of 30 million people ripe for turmoil. Government buildings, courts, and parliament were set on fire before the removal of the four-time premier Oli, who is 73. Former Chief Justice Karki, also 73, was designated as interim prime minister to guide the Himalayan nation toward elections.
