From Farmers to Sonam Wangchuk: When Peaceful Protesters Are Met with Fear and Force
As India’s Common People Face Barricades, Detentions, and Police Brutality, Questions Arise About Democracy and the Fear of Peaceful Protesters.
From Farmers to Sonam Wangchuk: The Continuing Suppression of Peaceful Demonstrations in India.
In a democracy, the right to peaceful protest is sacred. Yet, recent events in India have shown that this fundamental right is being consistently trampled upon. The BJP government has demonstrated an alarming pattern: detaining peaceful protesters, from the farmers’ protests at the infamous Singhu Border to the latest detention of Sonam Wangchuk and his followers. This disturbing trend raises serious questions about the state of democracy in India.
On September 30, 2024, environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk, known for his work in Ladakh and for inspiring the character of Ranchordas Chanchad in the movie 3 Idiots, was detained along with 150 Ladakhi people by the Haryana Police at the Singhu Border. They were on a peaceful march to Rajghat in observance of Gandhi Jayanti, but instead of being allowed to honor the father of the nation, they were met with barricades and detentions. This incident mirrors the government’s response to the farmers’ protests, where barricades and police brutality were used to stifle dissent.
Just a few days earlier, on September 25, 2024, we saw Sonam Wangchuk and some 150 Ladakhi people in Chandigarh. These were not political activists but monks, students, and common Ladakhi citizens, ranging in age from 18 years to 88 years. Having traveled from Ladakh on foot, they reached Chandigarh on September 24, and the blisters on their feet were a testament to the arduous journey they had undertaken. Their determination to protest peacefully should have been met with support and empathy, but instead, it was met with barricades and detentions.
The Erosion of Democratic Values
In a democracy, people are allowed to question, criticize, and express their concerns. However, under the BJP government, any form of dissent—whether it’s a farmers’ protest, students protesting for their rights, or wrestlers fighting for justice—is swiftly met with force. This heavy-handed response to any form of peaceful protest shows a clear pattern of democracy in crisis. The Haryana Police’s detainment of Sonam Wangchuk and his group highlights the increasing suppression of dissent in India.
If the BJP government is truly proud of its 56-inch chest, it should have the courage to face peaceful protestors with dialogue, not with detentions and barricades. The detention of Sonam Wangchuk is just one more example of how the Modi government seeks to silence any voice that dares to challenge its narrative.
The Role of Media and Public Perception
What is even more troubling is the role of the mainstream media in shaping public perception. Certain sections of the media have consistently labeled peaceful protesters as “anti-nationals” or “Khalistanis,” whether it was the farmers’ protests or the demonstrations by India’s female wrestlers. Now, Sonam Wangchuk, a man dedicated to the welfare of Ladakh, is being branded as a “Chinese agent” on social media. This weaponization of public perception against those who speak up is dangerous and threatens the very fabric of India’s democracy.
It’s a shame that while peaceful protesters are being silenced, a group of hateful individuals on social media continues to incite division and hatred, unchecked. The Modi government seems more focused on controlling dissent than fostering unity, and this is a dangerous precedent for a democracy that prides itself on being the largest in the world.
A Call for Accountability
It’s time for the people of India to ask themselves: how long will we tolerate the suppression of peaceful protests? Whether it’s farmers fighting for their livelihoods or Ladakhi citizens marching for the future of their region, the right to peaceful protest is essential in a democracy. The BJP government cannot continue to stifle voices with barricades and detentions.
I believe that people like PM Modi and Shah have not studied India’s history. If they had, they would have understood that India is a vast country; it is the land of Gautam Buddha, Adi Shankaracharya, and Mahadev’s devotees. Why are both of them disturbing the peace of this country? The real strength of a leader is not measured by their 56-inch chest or their ability to deploy police forces—it’s measured by their willingness to engage with the people, to listen to their concerns, and to act with integrity. Until the Modi government understands this, India’s democracy will remain in peril, and the peaceful voices of its citizens will continue to be silenced.
This morning, Sonam Wangchuk tweeted:
