Who Is Sudan Gurung, Driving Nepal’s Youth-Led Movement For Digital Freedom?

Last Updated:September 09, 2025, 11:47 IST

At the forefront of the protests is 36-year-old Sudan Gurung, president of Hami Nepal, a youth-oriented NGO that has grown into a civic movement

President of Hami Nepal Sudan Gurung

After the Nepal government’s ban on 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and X, which had been imposed on September 4, the Himalayan country witnessed its deadliest youth-led protests in years.

The demonstrations turned violent when police opened fire on crowds outside Parliament in Kathmandu, leaving at least 19 people dead and more than 300 injured.

The clashes prompted Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak to resign on moral grounds, while the army deployed personnel to secure roads around Parliament.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli blamed the unrest on “unwanted elements” infiltrating the protests but maintained that the government’s intent was regulation rather than outright censorship.

Under mounting pressure, the Cabinet reversed the ban later that day, with Communication Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung announcing that social media access would be restored.

Sources told CNN-News18 that the situation in Nepal has gone out of the government’s control, which may prompt Oli to resign from the Prime Minister’s post.

Sudan Gurung At Forefront: Who Is He?

At the forefront of the protests is 36-year-old Sudan Gurung, president of Hami Nepal, a youth-oriented NGO that has grown into a civic movement.

Gurung mobilised thousands of students, instructing them to wear school uniforms and carry books during demonstrations, turning the rallies into a peaceful yet symbolic protest against government restrictions.

Before the social media blackout, his organisation used online platforms to circulate protest routes and safety instructions.

Gurung, a former event organiser turned activist, became deeply involved in civic work after losing his child during the 2015 earthquake, an experience that reshaped his life and inspired him to work on disaster relief and youth engagement.

Over the years, he has led several campaigns demanding transparency and accountability, positioning himself as a leader who channels Gen Z’s frustrations into organised, nonviolent action.

Nepal On Edge

The protests on Monday quickly escalated as demonstrators attempted to breach the Parliament complex.

Security forces used water cannons, tear gas, and live ammunition to disperse crowds.

The unrest spread beyond Kathmandu to cities including Pokhara, Butwal, Bhairahawa, Bharatpur, Itahari, and Damak.

Hospitals in the capital, including the Civil Hospital and the Trauma Centre, were overwhelmed by the number of injured, forcing some facilities to refer patients elsewhere.

Sudan Gurung has now become the face of a nationwide movement, symbolising a new generation of Nepalese youth using civic engagement and social media to demand accountability, transparency, and the protection of digital freedoms.

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