Nepal: Curfew imposed in Simara after youth-CPN UML clash

In Nepal, the border district of Bara witnessed Gen Z protest on Thursday chanting “Jhole” protesting against clashes between youth groups and UML cadre. The demonstrators were angry over clashes between Gen Z protestors and CPN UML members on Wednesday where few youth were hurt and alleged to be attacked by party worker. Jhole is mockingly used for loyal party workers. The Bara District Administration Office has issued a curfew order in Simara for the second consecutive day.

After hundreds of youth began protesting from early morning in Simara, the administration imposed a curfew from 1 PM to 8 PM to prevent the situation from escalating. During this period, any kind of gathering, rally, demonstration, assembly, meeting, or encirclement within 500 meters on both sides of the highway from Pathlaiya Chowk (south) to the Jitpur Lalka Bridge along the Birgunj-Pathlaiya road section, as well as within 500 meters around the Simara Airport is prohibited.

On Wednesday, senior leaders of CPN UML like Mahesh Basnet and General Secretary Shankar Pokharel were to address the Youth Mobilization event of the party in Bara. 100-150 youth gathered at Simara chowk protesting the arrival of Basnet. UML cadres were arriving at Simara Airport to welcome Basnet, during which a clash erupted between CPN-UML cadres and Gen-Z youth. Due to the clash, the Simara market area had become tense. To prevent further deterioration of the situation, the local administration had also imposed a curfew.