Nepal's Gen Z Protests Erupt Again: Curfew Imposed in Bara District

Authorities in Nepal have imposed a curfew in Bara district after young protesters who identify as Gen Z returned to the streets for a second day of demonstrations. The renewed agitation follows violent clashes with CPN-UML supporters and continued confrontations with security forces in the town of Simara.

Curfew Reimposed as Tensions Rise

Crowds began gathering early in the morning, leading to fresh clashes with the police. Officials responded by declaring a curfew from 1 pm to 8 pm local time 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.

The district had already witnessed violence a day earlier, leaving six Gen Z protesters injured during confrontations on Wednesday.

Political Visit Triggers Unrest

The situation escalated shortly after UML leaders announced plans to visit the region ahead of the March 5, 2026 election. According to PTI, tensions rose when a Buddha Air flight carrying CPN-UML general secretary Shankar Pokharel and youth leader Mahesh Basnet prepared to depart from Kathmandu for Simara. They were scheduled to address an anti-government rally.

A clash broke out at the airport, prompting police to fire teargas at demonstrators. Airport operations were halted temporarily as the confrontation intensified.

Recent History of Gen Z Mobilisation

This latest episode follows a turbulent period for Nepal. In September, at least 76 people were killed during nationwide demonstrations led by groups operating under the broad Gen Z banner. Those protests were sparked by public anger over a brief government ban on social media.

The unrest eventually led to the resignation of then Prime Minister and UML Chairman KP Oli. In the aftermath of his departure, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, aged 73, was sworn in as the country's first woman prime minister in an interim capacity.