Clashes Erupt Between UML Protesters and Police; One Injured, Seven Arrested

Clashes broke out between supporters of the CPN-UML and police during protests against the arrest of party chairman and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. One person was injured, and seven protesters were taken into custody.

Tensions escalated on Saturday in the Maitighar and Babarmahal areas after demonstrators attempted to breach restricted zones and move toward Singha Durbar.

The protest, organized by 23 UML-affiliated organizations, turned increasingly aggressive as demonstrators broke police barricades, burned tires on the main road, and vandalized a private vehicle.

As protesters tried to advance from Maitighar toward New Baneshwor, police attempted to block them near the Kathmandu District Court in Babarmahal. Another group moved toward the southern gate of Singha Durbar, prompting police to use baton charges to disperse the crowd.

During the clash, UML supporter Yuvraj Oli was seriously injured after being struck on the head. He was rushed to Annapurna Neuro Hospital for treatment.

According to Pawan Bhattarai, Superintendent of Police at the Kathmandu District Police Office, seven individuals were arrested for entering restricted areas—four from Babarmahal and three near Singha Durbar.

Meanwhile, UML secretary Mahesh Basnet criticized the government via social media, alleging that it is pushing the country toward civil conflict. He stated that the injured protester required five stitches and questioned the government’s handling of what he described as a peaceful protest.

The protests were sparked by the arrest of KP Sharma Oli and Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak earlier on Saturday, in connection with alleged suppression during the Gen-Z movement protests held on Bhadra 23–24.

In response, the CPN-UML has intensified nationwide protests.