Tensions In Nepal Rise Once Again Weeks Before Polls: Here's The Travel Advisory And Developments So Far

For the second time in just a few months, Nepal’s simmering political tensions have spilled onto the streets, this time in the southern district of Bara, where days of clashes between Gen-Z protestors and cadres of the CPN-UML brought Simara to a standstill. What began as a peaceful youth-led demonstration quickly escalated into one of the most volatile episodes ahead of the country’s crucial March 2026 elections, prompting curfews, flight disruptions, and fresh safety warnings for travellers.

Simmering Youth Anger

The trouble began mid-week when Gen-Z groups assembled in Simara Chowk, continuing their months-long movement seeking accountability for violence during the September uprising that toppled the former Oli government. As rumours spread that senior UML leaders were en route to address a rally in the region, tensions boiled over. Rival groups clashed, stones were hurled, and security personnel were forced to fire teargas and aerial rounds to disperse crowds, even briefly halting operations at the Simara airport.

By Thursday, Bara administration had reinstated a daytime curfew after protestors defied prohibitory orders and returned to the streets in larger numbers, accusing authorities of delaying arrests of those involved in the earlier confrontation. Public spaces turned into battlegrounds, a police beat was set on fire, and at least ten people—including police personnel—were injured across the district.

What complicated matters further was the political sensitivity of the region. With parliamentary elections barely three months away, local residents expressed growing worry that repeated flare-ups could disrupt voting and deepen existing political fractures.

Talks, Arrests, Resolution

It took an intense round of late-evening negotiations at the Armed Police Force headquarters in Pathlaiya to break the deadlock. Eighteen Gen-Z representatives met district authorities and security officials, where the administration assured them that arrests had begun and that all others named in the complaint would also face legal action.

The breakthrough allowed the protestors to pause their agitation for three days, offering the administration a small but critical window to act. In a swift reshuffle, the police headquarters transferred Bara’s Superintendent of Police Santosh Tamang, replacing him temporarily with SP Narendra Kunwar—an attempt to restore confidence amid allegations of inaction.

By Saturday morning, Simara’s streets were finally calm again. Markets reopened, cross-border movement at the India–Nepal border resumed with ID checks, and long-distance buses between Birgunj and Kathmandu began plying after two days of disruption. But beneath the veneer of normalcy, the district remained heavily policed, with residents wary of how quickly tensions had escalated, and how quickly they could again.

Travel Advisory Alert

With the situation shifting by the hour, India issued a fresh advisory urging its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Nepal until conditions stabilise. Those already in the country were asked to remain indoors, stay away from protest-hit areas, and comply with instructions from Nepali authorities and the Indian Embassy.

The advisory followed widespread disruptions across Bara, including cancellations and delays at the Simara airport when clashes forced the suspension of flights. Though services resumed once stability returned, officials warned that sudden restrictions remained possible depending on political developments.

A Fragile Calm

Nepal has spent the past months navigating the fallout of the September uprising—one of the most dramatic political shifts the country has seen in years. The Gen-Z movement, driven by disillusionment with corruption, stalled reforms, and the previous government’s short-lived social media ban, continues to wield enormous influence. And while Bara may have quietened, tensions elsewhere remain delicate.

For now, authorities are banking on dialogue, quick administrative action, and visible accountability measures to prevent further unrest. Whether this fragile calm holds as the election season approaches will determine not just the country’s political stability—but also the confidence of travellers and neighbours watching closely from across the border.

FAQs

1. Why have protests erupted again in Nepal’s Bara district?
Fresh clashes broke out after Gen-Z protestors confronted CPN-UML cadres in Simara, demanding action over earlier assaults and September’s violence.

2. What areas are currently under curfew?
Simara and surrounding regions in Bara district have been placed under curfew at various points to control clashes and prevent further unrest.

3. How has travel been affected?
Flights at Simara airport were briefly halted, bus services were disrupted, and India has issued a travel advisory urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel.

4. What action has the Nepal administration taken so far?
Authorities have arrested several individuals named in complaints, held peace talks with Gen-Z leaders, and transferred the district’s Superintendent of Police.

5. What should Indian travellers in Nepal do right now?
They should stay indoors, avoid protest-hit zones, follow local safety instructions, and contact the Indian Embassy’s emergency helplines if needed.