Kathmandu: In a major outbreak of violence following the youth-led protests of September 8 and 9, cadres of the erstwhile ruling Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) (CPN UML) and a group of youths identifying as ‘Gen Z’ clashed in Bara district in the southern plains of Nepal. The violence that erupted on Wednesday continued into Thursday (November 20), injuring protesters and police and prompting the local administration to impose a curfew to bring the situation under control.

The unrest has further fuelled uncertainty over whether the government will be able to create a secure environment for the March 5 elections, a major precondition set by political parties.

There are also fears that the ‘Gen Z-versus-political parties’ dynamic could spill over into other parts of the country against the backdrop of a fragile security situation after the September protests.

On Wednesday, the youth wing of the CPN UML organised a party programme in Bara district in which senior leaders, including general secretary Shankar Pokharel, were expected to participate. The situation turned violent at the Simara domestic airport after Gen Z groups reached the airport to block the UML leaders, while party cadres had gathered to receive them.

The two sides clashed. Gen Z youths say some of their members were severely beaten at the airport by UML cadres. Protesters vandalised the airport gate and tried to enter the premises, forcing the authorities to close the airport.

Gen Z youths held fresh protests on Thursday, calling for action against the UML cadres who allegedly assaulted youths the previous day. Police have arrested some of the accused, though protesters insist others remain at large.

About half a dozen police personnel were injured during clashes with protesters.

Following the protests, Prime Minister Sushila Karki convened a meeting of the National Security Council, which reviewed the overall security situation. The council decided to recommend mobilising the Nepal Army for the March 5 elections.

The National Human Rights Commission has urged the government to strengthen the security environment and called on all sides to respect fundamental rights.

In Kathmandu, self-proclaimed Gen Z leader Miraj Dhugana, who plans to register a political party, said a group arrived at his office on Wednesday evening and attempted to intimidate those present there.

Meanwhile, the Nepal police have arrested Durga Prasai, a businessman who has emerged as a political figure, to prevent his planned street programmes. Prasai was preparing to launch protests demanding the restoration of the monarchy and a Hindu state. In March, he led a pro-royalist protest in Kathmandu that had turned violent. Security forces have assessed that Prasai's group could pose a threat to the elections.

After the September 9 protests, the situation was relatively calm, although security remained fragile as protesters had looted police weapons, around 4,000 inmates remained at large and police posts were torched or vandalised.

Political parties have avoided street programmes, and authorities have advised parties not to prioritise protests.

The CPN UML has nevertheless launched street protests and mass demonstrations, arguing that political parties should be able to conduct their activities without obstacles. Its youth wings are leading these programmes and revitalising youth groups, which the government views as a provocation.

The party has rejected the idea that the September 8 and 9 protests were a Gen Z movement, noting that the students who called for protests against the social media ban had withdrawn once violence broke out. According to UML leaders, the events of September 9 should not be viewed as a Gen Z movement but are deliberately being framed as a revolution by the current government.

It has also therefore been largely resistant to taking part in the March elections.

This has contributed to a ‘Gen Z-versus-UML’ atmosphere. The party has also rejected the current government as unconstitutional and continues to press for the restoration of parliament rather than elections.

The travel ban imposed on K.P. Sharma Oli has further angered the UML.

These developments have increased fears that similar clashes could emerge in other parts of the country.

Unlike the CPN UML, the Nepali Congress and the Nepal Communist Party led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal are not in direct confrontation with the government.

Amid such a scenario, the government has reiterated that elections will take place on March 5.

In a meeting with 125 parties registered in the Election Commission on Wednesday, Karki in a veiled reference to the CPN-UML said that any party that does not register or boycotts the election “will be deemed to have chosen anarchy over the protection of democracy”.

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