ACTION AGAINST SONAM WANGCHUK IS AN ATTACK ON DEMOCRACY:SUPRIYO BHATTACHARYA

ACTION AGAINST SONAM WANGCHUK IS AN ATTACK ON DEMOCRACY:SUPRIYO BHATTACHARYA

19-JULY-ENG 11

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA------------------------Sonam Wangchuk, a renowned educationist and climate activist from Ladakh, had been on an indefinite hunger strike in Delhi for several days. He was campaigning for the inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and the preservation of the region's ecology—causes he has long championed. July 17 marked the 20th day of his fast, a day when the Delhi High Court issued directives to the Central Government regarding his health. However, the very next day, the Delhi Police forcibly removed him from the protest site. This action has sparked a political stir across the country.

Sonam Wangchuk is a well-known engineer, educationist, and environmental activist from Ladakh. He founded SECMOL, an alternative educational institute, and has been honored with the Ramon Magsaysay Award. He has long been raising his voice to protect Ladakh's ecology and cultural identity.

The people of Ladakh have long demanded that the region be included in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. This would grant local tribal communities greater rights over their land, culture, and resources. Sonam Wangchuk has emerged as the face of this demand; he sought to draw the Central Government's attention to the issue by undertaking an indefinite hunger strike.

On July 17, taking cognizance of Sonam Wangchuk's deteriorating health, the Delhi High Court directed the Central Government to provide immediate medical facilities and ensure the protection of his human rights. The court stated that the hunger striker's right to life was paramount.

Supriyo Bhattacharya, Central General Secretary of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), held a press conference on Saturday and launched a scathing attack on the Central Government and the Delhi Police regarding the action taken against social activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk during his hunger strike. He stated that the treatment meted out to Sonam Wangchuk was contrary to democratic values. The country is currently witnessing a period of 'Vish-kaal' (an era of poison) rather than 'Amrit-kaal' (an era of nectar/prosperity).

Supriyo Bhattacharya noted that July 17 marked the 20th day of Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike, and on that very day, the Delhi High Court had issued necessary directives to the Central Government regarding his health. Despite this, a large contingent of Delhi Police arrived the very next morning and removed him from the protest site. He questioned why no action had been taken over the preceding days if the government was truly concerned about his health.

The JMM leader alleged that this action, taken just before the Monsoon Session of Parliament, was no coincidence. He stated that the Central Government is preparing to introduce the 131st Constitutional Amendment during the Monsoon Session, which begins on July 20. He accused the government of moving to weaken constitutional and democratic institutions and of using investigative agencies to pressure political opponents and suppress democratic voices.

During the press conference, Supriyo Bhattacharya demanded that the Central Government ensure the protection of democratic rights and constitutional values.

This incident has once again proven that civil society must remain vigilant to safeguard democratic rights. The attempt to silence Sonam Wangchuk's voice runs counter to the spirit of the Constitution. Several opposition parties, including the JMM, have announced plans to raise this issue in Parliament.