KATHMANDU: Tension flared at Simra Airport on Wednesday afternoon after a group claiming to represent the Gen-Z movement clashed with police and vandalized property, attempting to block CPN-UML leaders Shankar Pokhrel and Mahesh Basnet from entering Bara district for a scheduled program.
According to police, a group gathered at the airport, chanting slogans and resorting to vandalism after learning that UML General Secretary Pokhrel and Politburo member Basnet were arriving in Bara. The confrontation quickly escalated, resulting in clashes between protesters and security personnel.
The disturbance forced a Buddha Air aircraft preparing to fly from Kathmandu to Simra to remain grounded for some time.
To bring the situation under control, the Bara District Administration Office imposed a curfew in the Jitpur-Simra area from 12:30 pm to 8:00 pm. The administration said the decision was taken to prevent further escalation and ensure public safety.
Reacting strongly to the incident, Nepali Congress General Secretary Bishwa Prakash Sharma condemned the attempt to obstruct UML leaders’ movement, calling it “against the spirit of the Gen-Z movement”.
“The Simra incident is contrary to the sentiment of the Gen-Z uprising. This is not how an election environment is created,” Sharma wrote on social media. “If UML has stood against elections, let’s urge them to come to the polls. If they acted wrongly in Madhes Province, let’s exert pressure. If someone spoke emotionally against Gen-Z, let’s ask them to speak with restraint.”
Sharma said the constitutional right to travel and express views cannot be curtailed under any pretext.
“Gen-Z, who stand against social-media restrictions, cannot stand against someone’s right to travel. The Simra incident is not a Gen-Z sentiment; it is a misuse of their name. No one should practice the politics of prohibition,” he added.
Drawing the attention of Prime Minister Sushila Karki, Sharma questioned, “How will elections be held if we cannot even create an environment for political visits?”
Local residents also confirmed that the group used the name of the Gen-Z movement to disrupt the UML program, shouting slogans and engaging in vandalism inside the airport area.
The situation remained tense for hours as police used force to disperse the crowd. The District Administration Office has urged all sides to exercise restraint and cooperate to maintain peace, saying the curfew was essential to prevent further confrontation.
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