Jodhpur Police Block Protest March Demanding Sonam Wangchuk's Release
In Jodhpur on Wednesday, a significant protest erupted as demonstrators demanded the immediate release of social activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is currently incarcerated in the Jodhpur Central Jail. The protest, however, was met with extensive police barricading, preventing participants from reaching the jail premises as planned.
Organized Demonstration and Police Response
The demonstration and subsequent discussion meeting were jointly organized by the Sonam Wangchuk Release Forum and the Mahatma Gandhi Jeevan Darshan Samiti, Jodh. Under the leadership of coordinator Shivkaran Saini, activists gathered to raise slogans and condemn the central government for what they allege is the misuse of the National Security Act (NSA) in Wangchuk's detention.
Shivkaran Saini highlighted that Wangchuk has been in jail for 153 days, far from his native place, and was detained in what he described as an undemocratic and unlawful manner for advocating for his homeland. "We planned a peaceful protest at the gate of the jail, but we were stopped long before the prison and were not allowed near the jail," Saini stated, emphasizing the peaceful intent of the gathering.
Widespread Participation and Afternoon Meeting
The protest attracted a diverse group of participants, including intellectuals and social activists from various fields and professions, all united in their call for Wangchuk's release. Later in the afternoon, various groups convened a meeting at Mahaveer Udyan in front of the district collectorate. During this assembly, participants raised slogans alleging that Wangchuk is being held in jail under government pressure and reiterated demands for his early release.
Police High Alert and Barricading Measures
With multiple organizations calling for protests outside the Central Jail, police remained on high alert throughout the day. Extensive barricades were erected near Mohanpura Pulia, effectively blocking the road leading towards the jail. Additionally, routes accessing the DISCOM and CMHO offices, located in close proximity to the jail, were also sealed off.
This widespread barricading caused significant inconvenience to employees, officials, and the general public, who were forced to wait for the removal of the barriers. Several individuals questioned the police action, arguing that since the protest was planned specifically outside the jail, other office routes should not have been obstructed, highlighting concerns over the proportionality of the security measures.
The incident underscores ongoing tensions surrounding civil liberties and government actions, with activists continuing to push for Wangchuk's freedom amid heightened security protocols in Jodhpur.
