Nepal: Clashes between security forces and protesters reported in Balkumari, Lalitpur City, Dec. 29

Clashes between security forces and protesters are ongoing in the Balkumari area of Lalitpur City as of the afternoon of Dec. 29. Students are protesting against the Employment Permit System (EPS) examination. Participants reportedly set fire to a vehicle owned by a minister, prompting security personnel to deploy tear gas to disperse the crowd gathered along Ring Road. Several nearby roads are closed due to the incident. Preliminary reports indicate that the clashes have killed at least one person and injured three others. Further related protests are possible in the coming days.

Authorities will likely maintain a heightened security posture in the Balkumari area in the coming hours and days. Localized business and transport disruptions are likely to persist in the short term. In the event of further protests, additional clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.