Gangtok :26 Sept:The Retired Govt Employee Welfare Council of Citizen Action Party–Sikkim (CAP–Sikkim) strongly condemns what it considers the deeply disturbing and unacceptable treatment meted out to Pravin Gurung, IPS (Retd.), former Inspector General of Police, Sikkim Police, following his raising of concerns regarding the condition of the road at Adampool–Reshithang near Gangtok.
As reported by media platforms, Gurung had recently posted a video on his personal Facebook account highlighting the deteriorating condition of the road. The concern, as understood from the video, was raised in the larger public interest and related to a basic civic issue affecting the public. A retired senior police officer and citizen raising concerns about road infrastructure should not, in a democratic society, be subjected to intimidation, public humiliation or threats merely for voicing a concern.
The Council is deeply concerned by reports regarding the address of the Chief Minister of Sikkim at Manan Kendra on 25 September 2026, reportedly indicating possible action against Gurung.
It is deeply unfortunate that a retired person who dedicated his service to the State should be subjected to such treatment.
The Retired Govt Employees Welfare Council, Citizen Action Party- Sikkim therefore asks:
1. That the dignity and personal safety of Pravin Gurung be fully protected;
2. That any allegation against him be investigated only by the competent authority and strictly in accordance with law;
3. That no individual be publicly targeted merely for raising legitimate civic concerns;
4. That elected representatives exercise restraint and avoid public confrontation with citizens;
5. That the concerned authorities examine the circumstances surrounding the reported confrontation of 26 September 2026; and
6. That the Government ensure that citizens’ criticism of public infrastructure is not treated as an act warranting intimidation or retaliation.
CAP- Sikkim also wishes to make it clear that raising questions about the condition of a public road is not, in itself, a justification for public humiliation. In a democracy, citizens must have the freedom to draw the attention of the government and the public to problems concerning roads, infrastructure, public services and governance. Such concerns should invite a response from the administration not hostility towards the person who raises them.
The Citizen Action Party–Sikkim strongly believes that the dignity of every citizen must remain above political differences. Sikkim’s democratic culture can only be strengthened through accountability, institutional processes, mutual respect and the rule of law.
The Party therefore expresses its solidarity with
Citizens may disagree. Governments may be questioned. Public representatives may be criticised. But no citizen should be humiliated for exercising the democratic right to raise a public concern.(based on inputs from Citizen Action Party communique)
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