High drama was witnessed in Skara after Dr. Sonam Dawa, CEC slaps a JCB driver publicly for not giving passage on April 23 at Skara. 

The alleged incident took place in the broad daylight on Skara road where the sewerage and water pipeline work is going on.  Because of the JCB stationed on the site, the traffic was halted leading to congestion on road. 

According to the reliable sources, the traffic was halted for some time to avoid any kind of mishap because they were unloading the pipes as it was too risky to allow the traffic moment.

It is at that moment when Dr. Sonam Dawa, CEC was on his official tour and had to wait because of the traffic. He thus lost his temper and looked out for the JCB driver.

An eyewitness (who doesn’t want his/her name to be published) said that the CEC was frustrated and without questioning and listening to the explanation he slapped, kicked the driver and started using foul languages. 

He further added that such behavior to handle the situation is not at all appropriate for a person who is sitting at such a high post.

When the media tried to approach CEC, Dr. Sonam Dawa on the incident, he refused to comment on it.

The concerned contractor said, “The work has stopped after the incident because nobody is ready to resume the work. I tried to calm down the driver after the incident but the situation got worse when the CEC warns the driver saying, “Terey ko mein dikhaunga” (I’ll show you) on his way back. Being a common man the warning left a sense of insecurity in him.”

He further added that he is facing difficulty in convincing the labours as nobody is willing to work after the incident. I am still trying to carry out the work on time, he said.

When media asked about the reason behind not lodging a complaint against the CEC, he said, “I haven’t complaint to anyone because he himself is on a high post and I found no point in it.”

Stating the whole incident very unlawful, Councillor Lower Leh, P.Wangdan said, “In a democratic country nobody is above the law be it a PM, CM.  No one can take the law into their hands. I feel the incident very unfortunate and the CEC should have handled the situation as per law.”

Talking about the incomplete work, he said, “CEC himself has directed the concerned department for the completion of work till May 20 but now after the reported incident the work is on halt and the public is suffering.”

He further added that as a councilor he met with the contractor to carry out the work at the earliest.

Refusing to comment on the incident, Contractor Association, President Tonyot Tashi said, “We haven’t received any complaint.”  He clearly stated the incident very normal.

When asked about the public facing problem due to the halted work he alleged that media understands the problem of public but the not the problem faced by the contractors. He stated that during developmental work there will be such kind of problems.

The whole incident has lead the developmental work of Skara suffered and resentment among the people.