Support Grows for Protest Against Gambling Linked to Sports Events in Darjeeling Hills
A protest demanding strict action against gambling activities allegedly being conducted under the guise of sports events in the Darjeeling hills has begun to draw wider public and political attention. The issue has resurfaced at a sensitive time, with Secondary School examinations approaching, raising concerns about the impact of such activities on students, public order, and adherence to the law.
Social activist Ajay Edwards has extended open support to the ongoing sit-in protest led by Kundan Mukhiya at Chowrasta, Darjeeling. Mukhiya, a doctoral research scholar pursuing his PhD in Sikkim, has been raising objections for several years over what he describes as the unchecked spread of gambling, including housie games, during football tournaments and community sports programmes.
Allegations of Gambling Under the Cover of Sports
According to the protesters, gambling activities are being openly organised alongside sports events, sometimes even on school playgrounds and within school premises. They argue that these practices not only violate Indian laws related to gambling but also undermine the spirit of sports, which is meant to promote discipline, teamwork, and healthy competition.
Ajay Edwards, while addressing supporters, said it was deeply concerning that citizens were compelled to stage sit-in protests merely to demand enforcement of existing laws. “This is a crucial period for students preparing for their board examinations. Instead of ensuring a calm and supportive environment, gambling activities are allegedly being allowed to continue openly, creating disturbance and distraction,” he said.
Edwards questioned the role of local administrative authorities and institutions, alleging that inaction by officials had allowed such activities to flourish. He called for legal accountability, stating that a formal petition should be filed in court against district-level officials and representatives stationed at local administrative outposts if they were found to be permitting illegal gambling.
Protest Led by a Research Scholar
Kundan Mukhiya’s protest has drawn particular attention due to his academic background and personal circumstances. As a doctoral scholar, Mukhiya is considered to have a promising professional future. However, he has chosen to sit in protest, arguing that silence on the issue would amount to complicity.
Mukhiya has repeatedly appealed to the local administration and regional authorities over the years, urging them to take action against gambling linked to sports events. According to supporters, these appeals have not resulted in concrete action, prompting him to adopt a more visible form of protest.
Despite not receiving formal permission to hold the sit-in, Mukhiya continues his protest at Chowrasta along with a group of young supporters. They have been demanding an immediate ban on gambling and housie games, particularly when conducted in educational spaces or in the name of youth-oriented sports programmes.
Legal and Ethical Concerns Raised
Supporters of the protest argue that gambling and housie games are illegal under Indian law, regardless of whether they are organised during festivals, sports events, or community programmes. Edwards emphasised that cultural festivals and traditional celebrations should not be used as a shield to legitimise activities that are otherwise unlawful.
“Organising gambling in the name of sports is unacceptable. Sports events should inspire youth, not expose them to practices that can lead to addiction and financial distress,” Edwards said. He added that the issue goes beyond individual events and points to a larger problem of enforcement and governance in the hills.
At the same time, some community members have pointed out that sports tournaments often rely on community funding and sponsorships, and organisers may turn to informal methods to raise funds. However, critics argue that this cannot justify illegal activities, especially when they affect students and public spaces meant for education.
Call for Judicial Intervention
Edwards has urged Mukhiya to approach the High Court, arguing that judicial intervention may be necessary to ensure accountability. He alleged that the continued operation of gambling activities indicated either administrative failure or tacit approval by authorities.
“The responsibility lies with the administration to uphold the law. If officials are granting permissions, directly or indirectly, for such activities, they must be held accountable,” Edwards said, adding that he would extend moral, physical, and financial support to Mukhiya’s movement.
He also expressed regret that a young researcher had to resort to street protests to highlight what he described as a clear violation of the law. “It is unfortunate that someone pursuing a doctorate has to sit on the streets to demand basic enforcement of rules,” he said.
Impact on Students and Public Sentiment
With board examinations just weeks away, parents and educators have expressed concern over noise, crowding, and distractions linked to such events. Many fear that allowing gambling-linked activities near schools sends the wrong message to students at a formative stage of their lives.
The protest has sparked debate within the hills, with residents discussing the balance between community events and legal boundaries. While there is broad support for sports and cultural programmes, there is growing agreement that these must be conducted responsibly and within the framework of the law.
Looking Ahead
As the protest continues, attention is now on the district administration and regional authorities to clarify their position and outline concrete steps, if any, to address the concerns raised. Whether through administrative action or judicial intervention, protesters are demanding a clear and enforceable ban on gambling activities linked to sports events.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the issue leads to policy-level changes or legal scrutiny. For now, the protest has brought renewed focus on governance, youth welfare, and the rule of law in the Darjeeling hills—issues that resonate well beyond a single sit-in at Chowrasta.
