KATHMANDU, Oct 14: Surveillance on Gen Z activists has intensified after participants from the Free Tibet movement were seen during the Gen Z protests. The government ramped up monitoring after identifying members of the Tibetan Origin Blood (TOB) group during the demonstrations.
Security agencies have reportedly been keeping a close watch on Gen Z activist Sudan Gurung, suspecting his connection with the TOB group. The Ministry of Home Affairs stated that the issue is “highly sensitive” and that anyone found suspicious will remain under surveillance.
Gurung, who was accused on social media of being involved in the Free Tibet movement, denied the allegations in a video post, saying he had no links with the group. However, due to his recent activities, security agencies have intensified their monitoring.
Following viral videos showing individuals wearing jackets labeled “TOB” engaging in violent acts during the Gen Z protests on September 8 and 9, the Ministry of Home Affairs and its subordinate agencies became alarmed. “Although the chair of the Hami Nepal group, Gurung, initially volunteered in the protests, his recent behavior has raised suspicion. Surveillance has been increased accordingly,” said a source.
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Amid such speculations, Gurung reportedly told Home Ministry officials during his visit that he was not part of the Free Tibet movement. He later posted a video reiterating that he was neither associated with nor acquainted with TOB members. Still, the Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and even the Nepali Army are monitoring him closely. “It concerns a neighboring country, and the implications could be significant,” said a security official.
Although Gurung did not play a major role in the earlier protests, sources claim he has recently tried to influence the ongoing government formation process. Ministry of Home Affairs Assistant Spokesperson Rabindra Acharya confirmed that security agencies have been instructed to monitor anyone showing suspicious behavior. “It’s a serious matter, and the security bodies are doing their job,” he said.
Gurung previously made headlines for demanding Prime Minister Sushila Karki’s resignation shortly after her appointment. A video of him accusing Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal of attempting to assume power illegitimately went viral. He has also faced accusations of threatening government officials and pressuring for ministerial appointments for his close associates.
Plainclothes police are currently keeping tabs on Gurung’s movements. Other Gen Z activists have also criticized him for trying to claim ownership of their movement. While the government has not paid much attention to this internal dispute, it has taken the Free Tibet connection seriously.
Nepal Police Spokesperson DIG Binod Ghimire said the matter is under careful observation. “We’ve seen the posts on social media and received some complaints. The police are closely monitoring the situation. No matter who is involved, an investigation will be conducted,” he said.
On September 15, Gurung’s group staged a midnight protest in front of the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar, chanting slogans such as “Resign, Prime Minister” and “Don’t politicize over the dead.” Family members of those killed during the Gen Z protests also joined the demonstration. Standing near Gate No. 3 of Baluwatar, Gurung declared, “The greatest power lies with the Nepali people. No one can stop us. We can drag them out from where we put them.”
He demanded the resignation of PM Karki after news broke that she was preparing to appoint Om Prakash Aryal as Home Minister, Rameshore Khanal as Finance Minister, and Kulman Ghising as Energy Minister. Soon after, a photo of Gurung bowing at the feet of the Prime Minister surfaced online.
Gurung’s recent activities have prompted political parties to claim that the environment for elections has deteriorated. He has publicly stated that he will not allow political leaders to contest in the upcoming elections.
Meanwhile, police have arrested several individuals allegedly linked to the TOB group. The Kathmandu District Administration Office has granted six days of custody for three youths accused of participating in the Gen Z protests with weapons. Police Spokesperson SP Pawan Bhattarai at the District Police Range, Kathmandu, said that in the absence of strong evidence, the suspects are being investigated under charges of indecent behavior. The arrested individuals include Tenzin Dawa and two others, whose photos and videos carrying weapons during the protests had gone viral.
