Nepal, Nov. 21 -- With Prime Minister Sushila Karki intensifying talks with political parties, civil society members and other stakeholders-and with back-channel initiatives underway-the political climate for the March 5 elections was gradually building up. However, things suddenly deteriorated on Wednesday after a group of youths identifying themselves as Gen Z-ers clashed with CPN-UML cadres in Bara. The Bara administration enforced a daylong curfew, and even halted Simara airport on Wednesday after the protesting youths vandalised the airport gate. The administration resumed curfew on Thursday as tension flared in Simara after the youths returned to the street demanding action against UML cadres.

The violence in Bara has underscored t...