SPCC condemns removal of Sonam Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar protest
Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee president Gopal Chettri condemned the authorities’ handling of activist Sonam Wangchuk at Jantar Mantar, calling it excessive,
Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee (SPCC) president Gopal Chettri condemned the way activist Sonam Wangchuk was removed from his protest site at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Saturday. In a media statement, Chettri said the incident has “shocked” people who believe in the Constitution and in democratic institutions.
Claims of force and secrecy draw sharp criticism
Chettri alleged that visuals from the scene, showing Wangchuk being taken away under white sheets with a heavy police presence, have raised serious questions about how authorities acted. He said the treatment, as reported and shown publicly, resembled how a dangerous criminal would be handled. The SPCC president also questioned the need for such an approach rather than a process that would be open and respectful.
He added that if officials were responding to medical advice or directions from the judiciary, the operation should have been carried out with transparency and dignity. Instead, Chettri said, the manner of removal created an impression of unnecessary force and secrecy, which he believes can weaken public confidence.
Peaceful dissent should lead to dialogue
Chettri argued that the episode is not only about one person. In his view, handling a peaceful, non-violent protest with force amounts to a blow to the spirit of democracy. He said that when protests are met with intimidation instead of dialogue, constitutional values are pushed aside.
Calling peaceful protest a constitutional right, he urged the BJP-led government to explain why Wangchuk, whom he described as dedicated to education and environmental conservation, had to be dealt with in such a way. Chettri also said Wangchuk’s work has brought pride to the nation through contributions to innovation, environmental protection, and welfare efforts in the Himalayan region, and argued that such a figure deserves respect rather than humiliation.
The SPCC president said his party strongly condemns any excessive use of state power against peaceful protesters. He urged the Government of India to uphold democratic values, protect the dignity of citizens, and ensure constitutional rights are observed without fear or favour.
