Two Ward Chairmen Arrested Over Assault on Youth Activists in Simara

Police in Simara, Bara, have arrested two elected ward chairmen in connection with the alleged assault of “Gen Z” youth activists. The individuals detained are Dhan Bahadur Shrestha, Chairman of Jitpur-Simara Sub-Metropolitan City Ward No. 2, and Kaimodin Ansari, Chairman of Ward No. 6. Both officials were elected to their posts representing the CPN (UML) party.

The arrests were made by the District Police Office, Bara, following an altercation that took place in Simara on Wednesday. The detained officials are accused of physically assaulting the young people during the dispute. Samrat Upadhyay, a leader of the youth group, filed a formal complaint on Wednesday, naming Shrestha, Ansari, and four other individuals involved in the alleged attack.

In response to the police’s failure to arrest the remaining four individuals named in the complaint, the youth group resumed protests this morning at 10:00 AM at Simara Chowk, using burning tires to block traffic. This demonstration has completely halted transportation in the area.

The events leading to the confrontation were related to a provincial-level youth gathering organized by the CPN (UML) in Parwanipur, Bara, on Wednesday. Senior party leaders, including UML Vice Chairman Shankar Pokhrel and Politburo member Mahesh Basnet, were arriving in Simara from Kathmandu to address the event. On Tuesday evening, youth leader Samrat Upadhyay had used social media to call for a peaceful protest aimed at disrupting the UML’s program.

The initial confrontation occurred on Wednesday morning at Simara Chowk, where UML leaders and cadres allegedly physically assaulted Mr. Upadhyay over his protest call. The situation escalated as the angered youth pursued the UML members to the Simara Airport, creating a tense standoff. The youth activists reportedly broke down the main airport gate. They then threw stones and glass bottles inside the airport premises while chanting slogans, prompting the police to respond with tear gas and baton charges to control the crowd.