Curfew Reimposed in Simara After Clashes Between Police and Youths

Authorities in Bara district reimposed a curfew in Simara on Thursday afternoon, November 20, after clashes broke out between protesting youths and security forces. The order, in effect from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., follows a similar curfew imposed the previous day when tensions first erupted.

Unrest intensified Thursday morning as youths shut down Simara Bazaar and blocked the Birgunj–Pathlaiya road section, demanding the arrest of those they accuse of attacking Gen Z demonstrators on Wednesday. They vowed to continue protests until all individuals involved are taken into custody.

The curfew zone spans the Birgunj–Pathlaiya corridor from Pathlaiya Chowk to Jeetpur Lalka Bridge, covering 500 meters on both sides of the highway. Restrictions also extend 500 meters around Simara Airport.

Following a formal police complaint filed by protesters, Dhanbahadur Shrestha, chair of Ward No. 2 of Jitpur-Simara Sub-Metropolitan City, and Kaimuddin Ansari, chair of Ward No. 6 were arrested. Both are elected representatives from the CPN–UML.

The confrontation began on Wednesday when Gen Z demonstrators attempted to prevent UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel and politburo member Mahesh Basnet from entering Simara. The situation escalated after UML supporters allegedly attacked the protesters.

Amid the chaos, a group of youths broke open the main gate of Simara Airport, with some briefly entering the restricted area before police forced them out. Protesters also burned tyres on the road.

Pokharel and Basnet, who were heading to Parwanipur for a scheduled event, were unable to enter Bara due to the unrest.

Long- and short-distance transportation in and around Simara has come to a standstill, affecting daily life across the region.

Simara Airport suspended all flight operations on Wednesday as tensions peaked. Although services resumed Thursday morning, passengers were again thrown into uncertainty as fresh protests and the renewed curfew took hold.