Sonam Wangchuk Says Peaceful Protests Help Governments Understand Public Concerns

Ladakh-based activist Sonam Wangchuk has warned that situations can worsen when people are not given a chance to express their concerns peacefully. Speaking at the IPF Festival in Mumbai, he said protests should be seen as feedback from the public, not simply as a law-and-order problem.

Wangchuk referred to protests in Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, arguing that governments should pay attention to public anger before it grows into a bigger crisis.

Why Does He Support Peaceful Protests?

According to Wangchuk, peaceful demonstrations help governments understand what is troubling people. Instead of suppressing protesters, authorities should listen to their demands and address genuine concerns.

He also questioned the restrictions on where people can protest in India. Referring to the United Kingdom, Norway and Sweden, he said people in several countries can demonstrate close to important centres of government.

Wangchuk raised questions about India’s system, where protesters are often directed to designated locations such as Jantar Mantar in Delhi. He argued that peaceful demonstrations should not be made unnecessarily difficult through complicated permission procedures.

Questions Over Police Deployment and Ladakh’s Governance

Wangchuk also called for a review of the deployment of paramilitary forces during protests. His remarks come amid debate over police action against demonstrators in Delhi and the rules governing protests at Jantar Mantar.

He further stressed the need for greater participation by local people in the governance of Ladakh.

His message was that peaceful protest gives citizens a way to raise concerns and hold governments accountable. If those concerns are ignored, public frustration can deepen. Listening to people, he argued, is an important part of democratic governance.