Simara (Nepal): Tensions reignited in Nepal’s Bara district as Gen-Z protesters returned to the streets for a second day, prompting local authorities to reimpose a curfew. The renewed demonstrations reflect the persistence of youth-led discontent that has shaken Nepal’s political landscape this year.
On Thursday morning, hundreds of young demonstrators gathered around Simara Chowk, reigniting confrontations that began a day earlier. According to the Bara district administration, the curfew was reinstated from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM to prevent further escalation.
The restricted zone spans a 500-meter radius around Simara Airport and along the road section from Pathlaiya Chowk to Jitpur Lalka Bridge.
Nepal | Curfew re-imposed in Bara of Nepal as the tension continues to flare between the Gen-Z and the UML cadres. The curfew will be in place till 8 PM (Local Time), as per the order from the District Administration Office, Bara. pic.twitter.com/U0c8Ecei3g
— ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2025
What caused the escalation?
The immediate flashpoint came when word spread that CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel and youth leader Mahesh Basnet were arriving in Simara via a Buddha Air flight, intended for an anti-government rally. Gen-Z activists, already mobilised in the area, assembled at the airport, shouting slogans and confronting local CPN-UML supporters.
The clash quickly escalated. While Gen Z youths accused the authorities of failing to detain all those responsible, police arrested two ward chairs: Dhan Bahadur Shrestha of Jeetpursimara Sub-metropolitan City (Ward 2) and Kaimudin Ansari of Ward 6. According to Gen Z coordinator Samrat Upadhyaya, protesters resumed their demonstrations because not all the accused were in custody.
On Wednesday, at least six young protesters were reportedly injured in the clash. Authorities used force, including tear gas, to disperse crowds, especially near the airport, leading to a suspension of flights to and from Simara.
This flare-up comes just over two months after a major wave of Gen-Z protests that shook the Nepali capital. Those earlier demonstrations, driven by anger at corruption, economic stagnation, and restrictive social media policies, resulted in widespread unrest and political upheaval.
Human Rights Watch has previously raised concerns over excessive use of force during the Gen Z protests, criticizing the security response and warning that the authorities underestimated the scale of the youth mobilisation.