Nepal: Further protests possible nationwide through mid-January following fatal clashes during demonstration in Lalitpur /update 1

Further protests are possible across Nepal through mid-January following fatal clashes between police and protesters in the Balkumari area of Lalitpur City Dec. 29. Students protesting the Employment Permit System (EPS) set fire to a vehicle owned by a minister, prompting security personnel to deploy tear gas and other crowd control measures along Ring Road, killing two students. On Dec. 31, a related demonstration occurred in Birendranagar, Surkhet District, causing localized traffic disruptions.

Gatherings will most likely occur in urban centers such as Kathmandu and Lalitpur, where demonstrators may protest outside government buildings, public squares, or along major thoroughfares. Participation will vary by location, with rallies in larger cities likely attracting the highest attendance. Organizers do not typically publicize protest details in advance; gathering venues and timings are subject to change at short notice.

Security forces will almost certainly deploy to monitor demonstrations and may try to break up especially disruptive gatherings. Police may conduct mass arrests or resort to forceful measures, including water cannons and tear gas, in response to security incidents. Localized transport disruptions are likely if police cordon off protest sites or if demonstrators march along roadways. Business disruptions are also possible, especially if violence occurs.