Kathmandu — Tensions flared in parts of Kathmandu on Saturday afternoon as supporters of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) staged protests against the arrest of party chairman and former prime minister K. P. Sharma Oli.
Demonstrations were concentrated along the Maitighar–Babarmahal road corridor, where UML supporters gathered and chanted slogans opposing the arrest. Police confirmed that seven individuals were detained after attempting to enter the restricted Singha Durbar area.
According to Pawan Kumar Bhattarai, spokesperson for the Kathmandu District Police Range, the arrests were made when protesters tried to breach a prohibited zone near government offices.
The situation intensified in Babarmahal, where some demonstrators burned tires on the road, disrupting traffic. A brief confrontation occurred between police personnel and protesters as authorities moved to disperse the crowd.
Police used batons during the operation, leaving several protesters injured. As tensions escalated further, security forces fired a round of tear gas to bring the situation under control, officials said.
The protests followed a decision by UML earlier in the day to mobilize supporters nationwide after Oli’s arrest. Demonstrations were reported at multiple locations in the capital, including Maitighar, Babarmahal, and near the southern gate of Singha Durbar.
Authorities said the situation was later contained, although political tensions remain high amid ongoing developments.
