Curfew Imposed In Nepal Months After Violent 'Gen Z' Protests: What's Happening Now?

Last Updated:November 20, 2025, 20:03 IST

The unrest comes in the lead-up to the 2026 general elections following clashes between 'Gen Z' protesters and cadres of the former ruling party, CPN-UML

A curfew was reimposed in southern Nepal on Thursday as fresh clashes erupted between ‘Gen Z’ protesters and ousted party cadres, merely months after the deadly youth-led movement that led to the fall of the KP Sharma Oli-led government.

The unrest comes in the lead-up to the 2026 general elections due to clashes between members of the popular ‘Gen Z’ movement and cadres affiliated with the former ruling party, the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist). These took place in the Bara district, particularly around Simara Chowk and the airport.

Tensions erupted after news spread that the CPN-UML general secretary Shankar Pokharel and party youth leader Mahesh Basnet were travelling from Kathmandu to Simara to address an anti-government rally. ‘Gen Z’ protesters gathered at the airport to oppose the arrival of these leaders, which triggered a confrontation with local CPN-UML cadres.

Following the initial clashes on Wednesday (November 19), the situation escalated again on Thursday as youths returned to the streets, injuring 10 people. The protesters defied curfew and continued advancing, leading authorities to fire six tear gas canisters and two rounds of aerial fire.

Security forces were pelted with stones, injuring six police personnel while four ‘Gen-Z’ protesters were also reported to be injured. In a separate incident, demonstrators set fire to the police beat in Simara Bazaar and removed and torched items from the UML office. Simara airport operations were temporarily halted amid the chaos.

Authorities in Bara district imposed and subsequently extended a curfew, such as from 1 pm to 8 pm local time, to prevent the violence from escalating and to restore order. Two of the alleged attackers from the CPN-UML – ward chairpersons Dhan Bahadur Shrestha and Kaimoddin Ansari – were arrested after police complaints were filed against them.

Here is all you need to know:

The return of political violence underscores the ongoing political instability that has persisted since the fall of the KP Sharma Oli government.Tensions flared after CPN-UML leaders planned an anti-government rally in Bara district. The CPN-UML has been organising protests across Nepal demanding the reinstatement of the House of Representatives, which was dissolved on September 12 following the ‘Gen Z’ movement.‘Gen Z’ protesters gathered specifically to oppose the arrival of the CPN-UML leaders, triggering clashes with local supporters of the former ruling party.The primary demand of the young protesters in the current wave of tensions is the adequate and swift arrest of the CPN-UML cadres they named in a complaint regarding the initial clashes, which reportedly left several ‘Gen Z’ supporters injured.Authorities imposed curfew in the Bara district, specifically around Simara Chowk and the airport, to normalise the situation and attempt to call the parties for dialogue.Demonstrators defied the prohibitory order, pouring onto the streets, clashing with security forces, and resorting to arson against police and CPN-UML property.

WHAT WERE THE ‘GEN Z’ PROTESTS?

The ‘Gen Z’ protests in September were a massive youth-led movement that resulted in the resignation of Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on September 9 and the fall of his government.

The initial spark for the deadly protests was a brief government-imposed ban on several major social media platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, and WhatsApp, in early September. The movement, however, quickly broadened into an uprising fuelled by deeper, systemic issues that had primed the country for upheaval.

These core grievances included corruption and mismanagement, economic stagnation and high unemployment, and widespread anger over nepotism, highlighted by the wealth of politicians’ children. Activists have also sought action over the alleged mass killing of protesters during demonstrations against corruption and the proposed social media ban on September 9.

At least 76 people were killed during demonstrations on September 8 and 9, and parliament, courts, and government offices were torched. The outcome of the upheaval was the formation of an interim government led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki.

WHAT IS PATH AHEAD?

Fresh violence underscores the determination of the ‘Gen Z’ movement to challenge established political forces ahead of the upcoming elections.

The interim government, led by Sushila Karki, was formed specifically to guide the country toward fresh elections scheduled for March 5, 2026. She has called on all parties to “refrain from unwanted political provocation" and to trust the democratic process.

Karki directed security agencies to work with utmost restraint to maintain peace and order, stating her intention to “ensure the safe movement of leaders of all political parties, and create a fair and fear-free environment for the elections". She has expressed her desire for the country to be “in the hands of a new generation and to be managed by people with vision".

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