Says dialogue should replace silence as Wangchuk’s health deteriorates, statehood protest to proceed
Kashmir Impulse Desk
Srinagar, July 16
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday urged the Centre to open talks with Ladakh-based activist Sonam Wangchuk, saying authorities should respond with “humanity and compassion” as his prolonged hunger strike raises concerns over his health.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, CM Omar said Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite fast for 19 days, had lost significant weight and required a response from the government rather than continued silence.
“Politics has its place, but there should also be humanity and compassion,” he said, adding that the government should make efforts to engage with the activist and persuade him to end his fast.
Wangchuk joined protests over alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) on June 28 and has since remained on hunger strike.
Among his demands is the resignation or removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The CM drew a comparison with the anti-corruption movement led by activist Anna Hazare during the previous Congress-led federal government, saying ministers had then been sent to negotiate with protesters, unlike the current situation.
He said the ruling National Conference (NC) was concerned about Wangchuk’s health and would have sent a party delegation to meet him had senior party leader Sheikh Mustafa Kamal not died this week.
Separately, CM Omar said the NC would go ahead with its planned protest in New Delhi on July 20 to press for the restoration of J&K’s statehood, regardless of uncertainty over the venue.
“The venue or the mode may change, but the programme will not change,” he said, adding that the party intended to raise the issue publicly in the national capital.
The protest coincides with the opening day of Parliament’s monsoon session and is aimed at pressing the federal government to fulfil its commitment to restore statehood to the region.
The CM also criticised political leaders for making public political remarks after visiting his family to offer condolences following Kamal’s death, saying periods of mourning should remain above politics.
