Pioneer News Service
Ranchi
The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and the Jharkhand Pradesh Congress Committee (JPCC) on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the Centre over the action taken against educationist and environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk, alleging that the Narendra Modi-led government was suppressing peaceful democratic protests instead of addressing the concerns raised by students and civil society.
Addressing a press conference, JMM General Secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya described the Delhi Police action at Wangchuk’s protest site as a “cowardly act” and questioned why authorities remained passive for nearly 20 days before intervening after the Delhi High Court’s directions. He alleged that the move was not merely against Wangchuk but an assault on constitutional values and the democratic right to peaceful protest.
According to reports, Wangchuk had been on a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar since June 28 over issues including the alleged NEET paper leak, rising education costs, student suicides and the demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. After his health reportedly deteriorated on the 21st day of the fast, Delhi Police shifted him to Safdarjung Hospital. While the police maintained that the move was carried out on medical advice and in compliance with the Delhi High Court’s directions, supporters alleged that he was forcibly removed from the protest site.
Echoing similar concerns, JPCC Media Department Chairman Rakesh Sinha termed the action an attack on democracy and peaceful dissent. He alleged that instead of responding to demands concerning paper leaks, the education system and the future of students, the Centre had chosen to silence protesters through police action. Sinha further accused the government of adopting an authoritarian approach and misusing investigative agencies against those questioning its policies.
Both JMM and the Congress demanded that the Centre engage in dialogue with protesters rather than resort to coercive measures, asserting that peaceful dissent is a constitutional right that must be protected in a democratic society. They maintained that public voices cannot be suppressed through arrests or police intervention.
