Saturday, March 29, 2025
Fresh Clashes Erupt Between Gen-Z Activists and UML Workers in Nepal; Second Violent Incident in a Week
Violence has resurfaced in Nepal as political tensions continue to mount ahead of next year’s general elections. The unrest that began during the Gen-Z movement had earlier led to the collapse of KP Sharma Oli’s government, and political stability has yet to return to the country. On Wednesday, tensions escalated again during election preparations.
According to police, UML (CPN-UML) workers and Gen-Z youths clashed in the town of Dhangadhi, marking the second such incident within a week. One Gen-Z protester reportedly sustained minor injuries.
Reports suggest that Gen-Z activists had gathered along Dhangadhi Road for nearly two hours to stage a peaceful protest ahead of UML leader Mahesh Basnet’s arrival in the town. The confrontation began when UML supporters riding motorcycles allegedly attacked the protesters standing along the roadside. Basnet was on his way to attend a Nepal National Youth Association event in Dhangadhi.
Police had already heightened security in the region in view of recent disturbances, including the violent episode last week in Simra (Bara district), where several Gen-Z youths were injured. Authorities from Kailali district police stated they were closely monitoring both groups. Tensions grew further as more UML-affiliated youth union members began gathering near the protest site.
This incident follows another confrontation on Sunday, when Mahesh Basnet was targeted shortly after landing at Biratnagar Airport. Gen-Z activists Sanjog Gautam and Arpit Kunwar allegedly threw ink on Basnet’s vehicle on Airport Road. That attack occurred just days after the Simra violence, in which six Gen-Z youths were injured.
The repeated clashes underline the fragile political environment in Nepal as the nation moves toward its upcoming elections.
