Jagjit Singh Dallewal, a prominent farmer leader and national convenor of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), has strongly criticized the BJP-led central government over the eviction of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk from Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. Dallewal, who also serves as president of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) Ekta Sidhupur, called the government's actions an "assault on democracy."
Dallewal Accuses Centre of Suppressing Peaceful Protests
According to The Tribune, Dallewal accused the Centre of undermining democratic values by using police force to disrupt peaceful, Gandhian protests. He also alleged that the government is subverting justice to protect political leaders.
"Under the current regime, holding a peaceful protest to demand a secure future for the country’s youth is being treated as a crime," Dallewal said, as reported by The Tribune. He strongly condemned the eviction and alleged manhandling of Wangchuk, who had been on an indefinite hunger strike for 20 days.
Wangchuk’s Hunger Strike and Demands
Sonam Wangchuk, a renowned social activist, was demanding accountability and the resignation of the Union Education Minister. His protest was sparked by a massive paper leak incident that affected the future of the country’s youth. The eviction from Jantar Mantar, a traditional site for peaceful demonstrations, has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters.
"Under the current regime, holding a peaceful protest to demand a secure future for the country’s youth is being treated as a crime." — Jagjit Singh Dallewal, as quoted by The Tribune
Our Take: A Disturbing Pattern of Suppressing Dissent
In our view, Dallewal’s criticism highlights a growing concern about the state of democratic dissent in India. The eviction of a peaceful protester like Wangchuk, who was on a hunger strike for a legitimate cause, sends a troubling signal. When peaceful, Gandhian methods of protest are met with police force, it undermines the very foundation of democracy. The government must ensure that the right to peaceful protest is protected, not punished. This incident is not just about one activist; it is about the health of democratic discourse in the country.
