Gen Z protests in Nepal have resurfaced with renewed intensity, triggering violent clashes and a sudden curfew in the Bara district. This violence followed just months after protests previously led to the overthrow of the former ruling coalition led by ex-prime minister K.P. Sharma Oli and the formation of an interim government.
Gen Z Protests Nepal Intensify Near Simara Airport
The trouble began when hundreds of Gen Z youths gathered outside the Simara Airport in opposition to the arrival of two senior leaders from the CPN-UML party. The police confirmed that the protesters attempted to obstruct a Buddha Air flight carrying CPN-UML general secretary Shankar Pokharel and party youth leader Mahesh Basnet. They were about to undertake a rally in the district in opposition to the government.
The scuffle escalated rapidly when local CPN-UML cadre showed up on the scene and began to physically clash with demonstrators. The police responded by firing rounds of teargas to disperse crowds. The airport authority decided to close the airport for the day.
Curfew Takes Effect as Violence Spreads
A curfew was imposed shortly after the violence spread. Officials said that the curfew was in effect from afternoon to evening within 500 meters of Simara Airport. The district administration said this curfew was imposed to prevent further violent clashes and was in place to help restore order after repeated confrontations.
Assistant chief district officer Chhabiraman Subedi said the curfew became necessary after protesters clashed with police once again on Thursday morning. Although police warned demonstrators multiple times, the gathered crowd continued to expand across Simara, prompting the authorities to restrict the area.
Flights Disrupted as Gen Z Protests Nepal Escalate
After the chaos, Buddha Air cancelled all flights for the day from Kathmandu to Simara. The plane with the two CPN-UML leaders was turned away and returned to Kathmandu because it couldn’t land safely. This resulted in heightened unrest regarding the political meeting in the region.
Airline officials said safety for all passengers was the main priority, and the airline scheduled flights would only resume after clearance was given by local authorities.
September Widows’ Legacy Creates Frustrations
Many youths in the revived protests feel deep frustrations regarding the September movement. During a demonstration following a short social media shutdown, at least 76 total deaths were recorded. Activists from Gen Z young people claimed Boris Oli’s government treated peaceful demonstrations with authoritarianism, corruption, and treated violence with extraordinary forceful methods.
Ultimately, they forced Boris Oli to resign and brought on former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as a temporary prime minister. However, the protesters believe the accountability for the September violence continues to be unaddressed.
Push from CPN-UML Creates New Friction
As they have created rallies throughout Nepal demanding the House of Representatives be reinstated, the CPN-UML’s activity has added new friction on top of an already tense situation. The legislature was finalized by Boris Oli’s administration on September 12, during a massive Gen Z uprising. Many in Gen Z of young people feel the CPN-UML is fighting for its own influence from the past, but forget to take into account the abuses in the past, and demands for accountability for those abuses remain in the present.
With the increased political tensions, authorities fear more violence in the lead-up to the March 2026 election. Police are still on standby in the district that has experienced protests, and they may bring more restrictions in place if unrest continues.
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