KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 20
A day after violent clashes, the situation in Simara was relatively calm today while the curfew was extended until 8:00pm.
Simara, a populous city in Bara district of Madhes Province, has been witnessing a Gen Z uprising since yesterday following a clash between UML cadres and Gen Z youth. As per the Gen Z leaders from Bara, they had gathered peacefully to express their dissent yesterday. "However, UML cadres attacked us, causing injuries to seven of us," said Samrat Upadhayay, a Gen Z leader of Bara.
"First they stopped us from protesting, then launched an attack on us in front of over 1,000 police personnel. Even police baton charged us and protected UML cadres," he told THT.
"At least seven of us have been injured. I have sustained injuries on my head, back and face."
Another Gen Z leader, Kapil Kharel, speaking with THT, said, "Four youths suffered serious injuries during today's protest, and our demands are yet to be met." According to him, two of the nine attackers surrendered today. "Two of them are sitting ward chairpersons, who got party tickets from CPN-UML. However, seven of them are yet to be arrested."
He added, "Despite all this, we protested peacefully until 4:00pm and have called off our protest for today. Currently, we are in talks with CDO Bara, which will decide about the protest tomorrow."
Dharmendra Kumar Mishra, CDO Bara, talking with THT, stated they were in talks with protesters and trying to resolve the situation.
"Agitating group's demand is to book the attackers. We are in the process of arresting some of them by tonight. However, the situation in Simara is under control so far. The Ministry of Home Affairs has also directed us to maintain peace and order to protect the people and public properties."
Jitpursimara Sub-metropolitan City Mayor Rajan Paudel told THT that while the situation was under control, a curfew was in effect until 8:00pm tonight. "A clash between protesters and police earlier in the afternoon led to injuries of several protesters. However, the situation has eased in the city," Paudel said.
