Political unrest has intensified once again in Nepal’s southern plains as fierce clashes broke out between Gen Z protesters and cadres of the Communist Party of Nepal–Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML). The violent confrontation erupted near Simara Airport in Bara district on Wednesday, forcing authorities to impose an indefinite curfew to prevent further escalation.

Clashes Erupt as Protesters Block UML Leaders

Hundreds of young protesters — still energized by the September uprising that toppled former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli over allegations of corruption and social media censorship — gathered to obstruct the arrival of senior UML leaders.

According to party official Bishnu Rijal, “General Secretary Shankar Pokharel and youth wing leader Mahesh Basnet were supposed to land there for a demonstration against the interim government of Prime Minister Sushila Karki.”

Tensions escalated rapidly as UML cadres attempted a counter-move, triggering stone-pelting, heated arguments, and violent exchanges between both sides.

Flights Suspended, Tear Gas Fired

The turmoil forced Buddha Air to suspend all flights between Kathmandu and Simara after police deployed tear gas shells to disperse the crowd and secure the airport. Due to the chaos, neither Pokharel nor Basnet could leave the airport premises to address supporters.

Curfew Enforced Around Simara Airport

In response, the Bara district administration imposed a strict curfew across a 500-meter radius encompassing the airport and adjoining major roads starting from 12:30 pm Wednesday, extending into late Thursday evening. Security forces have been deployed in large numbers, with authorities closely monitoring potential flashpoints.

Violence Rooted in September Uprising

This new wave of unrest highlights the lingering bitterness from the Gen Z–led protests earlier this year, which resulted in 74 deaths and culminated in Oli’s resignation. The CPN-UML has since been vocal in its demand to reinstate the dissolved parliament, while youth activists continue condemning the party’s alleged abuses of power.

Government Calls for Calm Ahead of Elections

Acting Prime Minister Sushila Karki urged both sides to prioritize dialogue and restraint, stressing the need to maintain stability ahead of elections scheduled later this year.

“Peace is essential at this critical juncture. We appeal to all groups to resolve their differences through constructive dialogue,” she stated.

The post Fresh Tensions Flare in Nepal as Gen Z Youths Clash with CPN-UML Cadres; Curfew Clamped in Bara appeared first on Odisha Connect.

From Nomination to Protest in Just Days

In a dramatic turnaround, Generation Z activists who had nominated Sushila Karki as Nepal’s interim Prime Minister less than a week ago have now taken to the streets against her. The protests outside her official residence reflect the fragile alliances that formed amid recent upheavals and raise serious questions about the durability of Nepal’s newly born interim government.

Protests Outside PM’s Residence

On Monday, chaos unfolded in Kathmandu, just four days after Karki—Nepal’s first female Prime Minister and former Chief Justice—was sworn in. A group of Gen Z activists led by Sudan Gurung from the NGO Hamro Awaaz gathered at her residence, joined by grieving parents whose children were killed during earlier demonstrations. Chanting “Sushila Karki Murdabad” (Down with Sushila Karki), protesters accused her of betraying the principles of the uprising that forced the exit of KP Sharma Oli.

Cabinet Expansion Sparks Anger

At the heart of the protests was Karki’s first cabinet expansion. Demonstrators claimed her appointments favoured traditional political figures rather than youth leaders tied to the movement. On September 15, three interim ministers were sworn in:

• Kulman Ghising – Energy and Physical Infrastructure Minister

• Om Prakash Aryal – Home and Law Minister

• Rameshwar Khanal – Finance Minister

Protest leader Gurung was particularly critical of Aryal’s appointment, alleging he had no role in the uprising and was instead chosen due to his ties with Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, seen as a future election contender.

The Larger Backdrop of Unrest

The protests come against a backdrop of deep political turmoil. What began as a youth-led revolt over a social media ban quickly spiraled into violence, leaving 72 dead and 191 injured. Public buildings, including Parliament, were torched, forcing President Ram Chandra Paudel to sack PM Oli and dissolve the House of Representatives. In a surprise twist, Gen Z activists used online platforms like Discord polls to select the 73-year-old Karki—celebrated for her anti-corruption stance—as interim leader until elections in March 2026.

Mounting Pressure on Karki’s Government

Karki’s interim cabinet now faces the daunting task of fulfilling promises of transparency and justice, including accountability for violence during the protests. However, Gen Z activists demand a bigger role in decision-making, underscoring a deeper generational divide. While the youth movement proved powerful enough to topple a regime, sustaining reforms amid Nepal’s long history of political instability remains an immense challenge.

The Road Ahead

With elections just six months away, Karki’s government is under immense strain to restore order, rebuild trust, and balance competing demands. International observers and Nepal’s army will be watching closely as the interim administration struggles to stabilise the country before handing over power in 2026.

The post Nepal’s Political U-Turn: Gen-Z Turns Against New PM Sushila Karki Just Days After Backing Her appeared first on Odisha Connect.