BIRGUNJ: A curfew has been imposed in the Simara area after protests under the banner of Gen-Z turned violent, targeting CPN-UML leaders General Secretary Shankar Pokharel and Politburo member Mahesh Basnet.
The District Administration Office of Bara announced on Wednesday that the curfew will remain in effect from 12:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
Under the order, gatherings of five or more people, processions, demonstrations, meetings, or general movement are completely prohibited within the following areas of Jitpur-Simara Sub-Metropolitan City:
- A 500-meter area along both sides of the Gandak Canal to Pathlaiya Road (Highway).
- A 500-meter area around Simara Airport.
The order, signed by Chief District Officer Dharmendra Kumar Mishra, cited clashes between Gen-Z protesters and groups affiliated with various political parties, raising the risk of damage to public and private property. The curfew has been enforced under Sections 6(a) and 6(b) of the Local Administration Act, 2028.
Essential services will continue to operate during the curfew. Security personnel will facilitate ambulances, fire trucks, hearses, health workers’ vehicles, media, tourists, human rights workers, diplomatic vehicles, and passengers traveling to or from the airport with valid tickets.
Authorities have urged all parties to maintain peace and fully comply with the curfew. Violators will face legal action.
The curfew follows reports that a group, claiming to represent Gen-Z, staged protests at Simara Airport to disrupt the CPN-UML program. Tensions escalated when security personnel clashed with protesters, leading to the temporary halting of a Buddha Air flight scheduled to depart for Kathmandu.
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