Curfew Imposed In Nepal As Gen Z Protests Escalate Ahead Of Elections
Nepal has imposed a curfew in parts of the country following renewed clashes between young protestors and supporters of the former ruling party ousted in September’s deadly “Gen Z” uprising.
The curfew is in effect in Bara district, where youth demonstrators confronted loyalists of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli ’s Communist Party of Nepal, Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML). Authorities have announced that the restrictions will continue until 8 pm local time on Thursday to restore order and prevent further violence.
Tensions escalated on Wednesday as both Gen Z protestors and CPN-UML supporters staged rallies in the Simara area, with scuffles occurring near the airport. Nepal police spokesman Abi Narayan Kafle reassured the public, stating, “The situation is normal… No one was severely injured.”
Prime Minister Sushila Karki has urged calm, appealing to all parties to avoid unnecessary political provocation and respect the democratic process ahead of the elections scheduled for March 5, 2026. She added, “I have directed the Home Administration and security agencies to work with utmost restraint and preparation to maintain peace and order.”
Karki emphasised her commitment to a fair electoral environment, ensuring safe movement for leaders and a fear-free voting process. She also met with representatives from over 110 parties, highlighting the importance of a new generation of leadership: “We want this country to be in the hands of a new generation and to be managed by people with vision,” she said.
The Gen Z protests of September 8–9, which left at least 76 people dead, were initially sparked by a brief government ban on social media but reflected deeper frustrations over economic stagnation and corruption. During that unrest, parliament, courts, and government offices were set ablaze, culminating in the removal of four-time premier Oli. Interim Prime Minister Karki, formerly Chief Justice, was appointed to lead Nepal towards its upcoming elections.
The curfew is in effect in Bara district, where youth demonstrators confronted loyalists of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli ’s Communist Party of Nepal, Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML). Authorities have announced that the restrictions will continue until 8 pm local time on Thursday to restore order and prevent further violence.
Tensions escalated on Wednesday as both Gen Z protestors and CPN-UML supporters staged rallies in the Simara area, with scuffles occurring near the airport. Nepal police spokesman Abi Narayan Kafle reassured the public, stating, “The situation is normal… No one was severely injured.”
Prime Minister Sushila Karki has urged calm, appealing to all parties to avoid unnecessary political provocation and respect the democratic process ahead of the elections scheduled for March 5, 2026. She added, “I have directed the Home Administration and security agencies to work with utmost restraint and preparation to maintain peace and order.”
Karki emphasised her commitment to a fair electoral environment, ensuring safe movement for leaders and a fear-free voting process. She also met with representatives from over 110 parties, highlighting the importance of a new generation of leadership: “We want this country to be in the hands of a new generation and to be managed by people with vision,” she said.
The Gen Z protests of September 8–9, which left at least 76 people dead, were initially sparked by a brief government ban on social media but reflected deeper frustrations over economic stagnation and corruption. During that unrest, parliament, courts, and government offices were set ablaze, culminating in the removal of four-time premier Oli. Interim Prime Minister Karki, formerly Chief Justice, was appointed to lead Nepal towards its upcoming elections.
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