Hunger for accountability: Rally in Vijayapura in support of Sonam Wangchuk

Members of some progressive organisations organised a rally in Vijayapura on July 19 in support of Sonam Wangchuk’s fast in New Delhi.

The protestors condemned the police action against the educationist and social activist, and sought his immediate discharge from the hospital. Mr. Wangchuk was peacefully protesting at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, but police have taken him to a hospital without his consent, they said.

They submitted a memorandum to President Draupadi Murmu through the office of the Deputy Commissioner.

Activist Baburao Beerakabbi said that the act of the police was condemnable. The Union Government has acted in an insensitive manner towards Mr. Wangchuk, who has been peacefully protesting for the welfare of students for the past 21 days. “They used the police to arrest him on the pretext of security and illness. He should be released immediately, and the values ​​of democracy should be respected,” he said.

Dalit Sangharsh Samiti leader Channu Kattimani said that the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his ministerial colleagues, and officials is a matter of concern.

The government is trying to silence dissent. “It is not right to arrest activists instead of responding to the problems of students,” he said.

CITU leader Lakshman Handral said that any attempt to suppress the voice of activists is against the ideals of democracy. C.B. Patil said that protest and struggle are constitutional rights, and restricting them is a violation of democratic values. Prabhugouda Patil urged the President to intervene in this matter, and direct the release of Mr. Wangchuk and facilitate talks between the protestors and the Union Government.

H.T. Bharathkumar , Akram Mashalkar, Suresh Jeebi, Suresh Bijapur, Jagadeva Suryavanshi, Siddrama Hiremath, Geetha H., Siddalinga Bagevadi, and Srikanth Kondagooli were among those who participated in the protest.