Gatherings banned, curfew imposed in Nepal as new Gen Z protests flare up

A fresh wave of Gen Z-led demonstrations has prompted authorities in Nepal to impose curfew and restrict public gatherings, as per local reports. Tensions resurfaced this week in Bara district, where young protestors clashed with supporters of the Communist Party of Nepal–Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML), the party previously headed by former prime minister K P Sharma Oli.

District officials said a curfew would remain in effect until 8 pm (local time) on Thursday, stating that the restrictions were necessary to stabilise the situation.

According to local reports, the unrest escalated on Wednesday when both Gen Z protest groups and CPN-UML loyalists organised rallies in the Simara area. The demonstrations soon turned confrontational, with scuffles breaking out at several points, including near the regional airport. Authorities responded by enforcing a curfew to prevent further escalation.

The renewed tensions come weeks after the violent Gen Z uprising in September, during which at least 76 people lost their lives in clashes fuelled by public outrage over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms.

Local administrators say security has been tightened across Bara district, and public assemblies remain prohibited until further notice.