• Source:JND
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Nepal GenZ Protest: Kathmandu witnessed fresh tensions on Wednesday evening as two factions of Nepal’s Gen Z protesters clashed outside the Army headquarters, highlighting deep divisions within the youth-led movement over the choice of interim leadership. The protesters, who have been demanding systemic change after weeks of unrest, debated heatedly on the leadership question, exposing rifts fueled by frustration over corruption, nepotism, and unemployment.

The demonstrations, which intensified earlier this week after the government imposed a social media ban, turned violent on several occasions, forcing the Army to step in and assume responsibility for law and order. Army officials had urged the protesters to return the following morning with a consensus candidate for the post of interim head of government.

Names Emerge For Interim Prime Minister

The leadership dispute has become the central challenge for the movement since Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned amid unrelenting youth-led protests against his rule. According to protest leaders, discussions are ongoing to select an apolitical figure to lead the interim administration. Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, known for her independent stance during her tenure, has emerged as a top contender. Other names include Kul Man Ghising, the former Managing Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority, and Dharan Mayor Harka Sampang.

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Street Clashes Between Rival Factions

Rabi Kiran Hamal, a prominent figure in the movement with links to the royalist Rastriya Prajatantra Party, confirmed Karki’s name was being pushed by several leaders. However, he personally expressed a preference for a Gen Z representative to take the helm. The lack of consensus turned confrontational when supporters of Karki and those backing Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah engaged in heated slogan shouting that soon spiralled into fistfights. A smaller faction aligned with Harka Sampang also joined the scuffle, creating a chaotic scene described as a “flashpoint of unrest.” Nepali Army personnel struggled to contain the clashes.

Discord Vote Highlights Division

Earlier in the day, Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel had met representatives of the movement, urging them to resolve internal divisions. Despite these efforts, consensus continues to elude Nepal’s Gen Z leadership. An online vote conducted through Discord suggested a majority favouring Karki, though a section of protesters has rallied behind Ghising. Shah, initially seen as a frontrunner, has since stepped aside.

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The Army has extended prohibitory orders across three districts of the Kathmandu Valley, restricting large gatherings but permitting limited public movement. Tribhuvan International Airport has reopened, allowing Indian states to begin evacuating stranded citizens.