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Sudan Gurung, 36, was addressing the press while seated with the family of a deceased protester when tensions flared
Gen Z leader Sudan Gurung, left, talks to family members of victims of the anti-government protests in Kathmandu, Nepal. (PTI photo)
A press conference by protest leader Sudan Gurung turned tense on Sunday after a heated exchange between Gurung and attendees, including journalists and activists, at the Reporters Club.
Gurung, 36, was addressing the press while seated with the family of a deceased protester when tensions flared. During the session, an unidentified individual from outside the venue interrupted with sharp criticism, questioning Gurung’s claim that the recent political change marked significant progress.
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“You said there has been a big change, the Prime Minister has taken office today,” the man said.
He further went on asking, “Is this change brought about by killing 51 people for a 6-month interim government? Where have you been able to implement the issue of direct executive? You dissolved the House, where has its impact reached you?”
Gurung responded firmly, saying, “How far has it reached, Sir, you don’t even have to say.”
When the critic claimed that nothing would change and the same leaders would return in six months, Gurung shot back, “We will protest again. We will not let them come. We will not let the leaders leave their homes.”
As tensions escalated, Gurung added, “I didn’t kill anyone. This has changed in 80 years of history, isn’t this a change? We started the fire, we didn’t start it, we ended it.”
The press conference quickly descended into chaos, with raised voices and confusion in the room. Gurung left the podium without completing his remarks.
The press conference after a deadly week of unrest in Nepal. Protests led by young adults – many in their 20s and loosely identified as part of a “Gen Z” movement – erupted in Kathmandu on Monday over a now-reversed government ban on social media and allegations of corruption.
The protests quickly spread nationwide. At least 72 people have been killed and more than 1,300 injured, according to Reuters.
Government buildings, including a Hilton Hotel, were set on fire, and more than 13,500 prisoners escaped from jails across the country. Only about 250 have been recaptured so far.
Sudan Gurung, president of the youth-led NGO Hami Nepal, has emerged as a key figure in the movement. Although not a Gen Z himself, Gurung has been leading thousands of young protesters demanding reform. He and his team have said they will not take any cabinet positions but aim to play a role in shaping the country’s future governance.
(With inputs from agencies)
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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
Nepal
September 14, 2025, 18:29 IST
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