Gen Z youths on Sunday threw red substance at a vehicle carrying former minister and UML leader Mahesh Basnet in Biratnagar, in what they said was a symbolic protest. It is still unclear if the substance was ink, paint or any other matter.

The protesters also chanted slogans against Basnet. Police have taken Sanjog Gautam and Arpit Kunwar into custody.

The incident comes days after a clash in Simara left six Gen Z youths injured.

The confrontation started when activists protested at Simara Chowk to prevent UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel and Basnet from travelling to Parwanipur via Simara airport for a youth mobilisation event on Wednesday.

Tensions escalated into stone-pelting near the airport including flight suspension, a highway blockade, and dismantling of a UML welcome gate and party flags. Flights at Simara airport were halted for several hours following vandalism at the airport gate.