Rastriya Swatantra Party Candidate Suden Gurung Seeks Security Detail Amid Alleged Threats in Gorkha

Pokhara. An application has been submitted to the administration requesting a Personal Security Officer (PSO) for Suden Gurung, the candidate from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in Gorkha Constituency Number 1, citing increased security threats.

The RSP submitted the application to the District Administration Office on Thursday seeking security personnel. Gurung stated that the party requested security after receiving information that armed individuals had entered villages and were engaging in unusual activities.

Also Read

Suden Gurung Receives Security Threat, PSO Requested

“I am not personally afraid. I am in my own village,” he said. “However, cadres from the old parties have instilled such fear among the villagers that even those who support me in their hearts are afraid to speak openly. The request for security was made to the party after information reached us that armed individuals were seen in various villages and our supporters were being intimidated.”

Gurung is currently in Arughat for election campaigning.

The Chief District Officer (CDO) of Gorkha, Tulsi Bahadur Shrestha, however, claims there are no threats. He mentioned that his security apparatus had not received any information regarding the security challenges claimed by the RSP, and a search operation was initiated following the application.

“It is the government's responsibility to ensure their security. We have made full security arrangements,” CDO Shrestha said. “There are no threats as rumored outside.”

He added that the administration would arrange necessary security measures, including a PSO, for the candidate if required.

Gurung, who started his campaign a few days ago from his own village Chumnubri, is currently returning after not finding many people in the village. He clarified that the request for security personnel was made by the party for its candidate, not personally.

Gurung is currently presenting his agenda and seeking votes during his election campaign. He has made issues such as the construction of the Budhigandaki Hydropower Project, road expansion in the upper regions, apple farming, and market access his key campaign issues.

He claimed that he would win the election easily. “Those who won previously did nothing, so the public is disillusioned,” he said. “The old parties have divided society. People want change, but they are afraid to speak out due to fear of syndicates.”

Gurung shared a different experience when he was independent versus when he was a party candidate. “Before, when I went to the village, everyone came close to talk to me. Now, they say he is an RSP candidate, and they keep their distance,” he continued. “But winning the election is not difficult. They say they will vote for me even if I don't come for campaigning.”

He expressed concern over the mobilization of a cyber army and the spread of misleading propaganda to defame the Gen Z movement. Nevertheless, he stated that the support from the youth, from Chumnubri in northern Gorkha down to the lower regions, has encouraged him.