Sudhan Gurung Accused of Threatening Detained Janajati Activists

According to reports, Janajati youths detained near the Indian Embassy during protests over a border dispute are being held at the Sohra Khutte police station. The National Janajati Citizens’ Campaign has accused former Home Minister and Member of Parliament Sudhan Gurung of threatening these youths during his visit to the detention center. Pawan Kumar Bhattarai, spokesperson for the Kathmandu District Police Office, confirmed that MP Gurung visited the detained youths at the Sohra Khutte police station. (22 Jestha, Kathmandu)

On 20 Jestha, police arrested several youths who had gathered near the Indian Embassy in Lainchaur to protest the border dispute. Those detained were taken to the Sohra Khutte police station. However, Janajati activists allege that former Home Minister and National Independent Party MP Sudhan Gurung personally intimidated them at the detention facility. The National Janajati Citizens’ Campaign issued a statement on Thursday claiming that Sudhan Gurung mistreated the detainees.

“We had approached near the Indian Embassy to peacefully distribute pamphlets. However, before the event could commence, police forcibly detained four Janajati activists – Ajay Sodari, Prakash Bam, Sujan Paudel, and Stul James Nepali – and took them to Sohra Khutte. About an hour into their detention, Sudhan Gurung arrived with a group and entered the lockup, subjecting us to unusual and disrespectful pressure,” the statement read.

The Janajati activists further claimed that Gurung issued additional threats. “He told us, ‘Whoever you are affiliated with, this is your last chance. If government and police catch you again, we will not release you. Stop speaking against the government,’” they stated, alleging he tried to create mental pressure and intimidate them. Concerns were raised that allowing an unauthorized individual to threaten those in police custody is a serious matter that warrants investigation.

SP and spokesperson of Kathmandu District Police Office Pawan Kumar Bhattarai confirmed Gurung’s presence at the police station. “He (Sudhan Gurung) did go there. After learning that the Janajati youths were held there, he went to meet them,” Bhattarai said. Although Gurung’s visit to Sohra Khutte police station was confirmed, police have not officially commented on whether he threatened the detainees.

Sources indicate that Gurung spent some time with the Janajati youths, though details about any threats remain unclear. Attempts to contact former Minister Sudhan Gurung for comment were unsuccessful. Police have affirmed that Gurung visited the detainees and spoke with them briefly.