Outrage Erupts in Sikkim After Indian Army Personnel Assault Local Driver
May 28, Kathmandu – Tensions have escalated in Sikkim following an incident near Zero Point in Lachung, North Sikkim, where Indian Army soldiers assaulted a local driver. The drivers have lodged a formal complaint with the police, demanding action against those involved. Locals have also initiated a campaign to place stickers on their vehicles carrying the message ‘Be Kind to the Driver.’
According to local media reports and eyewitnesses, on June 9 (Jestha 26), while returning from Zero Point, driver Anush Gurung was attacked near the Shiva Temple area. The vehicle was carrying a sick child who urgently needed hospital care. Anush requested the driver of a military vehicle ahead to give way, but the soldiers refused, leading to a dispute. The confrontation escalated, culminating in a physical attack on Anush by the army personnel.
Video footage shows soldiers forcibly removing the driver from the vehicle and collectively punching him. This video went viral on social media, triggering widespread anger across Sikkim. Driver organizations including the Sarathi Welfare Board, All Sikkim Drivers Welfare Council, and groups aligned with the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) have jointly condemned the assault. They described the attack as an affront to the dignity and safety of hardworking drivers and have called for strict punishment for those involved.
The driver groups emphasized that since the Indian Army is a disciplined organization, an impartial investigation and legal action are essential. They also urged the establishment of clear mechanisms and responsibilities to prevent such incidents in the future. The victims have filed complaints against the army personnel at the Lachung police station. The Sikkim Gurung Association has strongly condemned the attack on Anush Gurung and two others involved.
Previously, there was an incident in Sikkim where a female passenger assaulted a driver publicly. Following that, local drivers alleged mistreatment by army soldiers and launched the campaign to display stickers stating ‘Be Kind to the Driver’ on their vehicles. The police have conducted health examinations of the injured drivers and an investigation is ongoing. However, the Indian Army has not issued an official response on the matter. This incident has sparked widespread debate across social media, among politicians, and the general public in Sikkim.