'Politics Must Have Humanity': Omar Abdullah Urges Centre to Intervene as Sonam Wangchuk's Hunger Strike Enters 19th Day
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday expressed concern over the deteriorating health of social activist Sonam Wangchuk, saying the Central government should make efforts to speak with him and persuade him to end his prolonged hunger strike. He said that while political disagreements are natural, compassion and humanity should never be ignored.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Abdullah said Wangchuk's fast has now stretched close to three weeks and his health is reportedly worsening. According to him, the activist has already lost significant weight, making the situation increasingly serious.
Abdullah said, "The surprising thing is that it has been 18 days for him, perhaps the 19th day is going on. He has lost around 9 kg of weight, and it is affecting his health. But the government is not budging, not appealing to him in any way to stop his hunger strike. Politics has its place, but somewhere there should also be a place for humanity and compassion."
The Chief Minister said that, to his knowledge, Wangchuk has been demanding accountability over the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. He said the protesters are seeking action against Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the controversy.
"As far as I know, he has only one demand that due to irregularities in the NEET exam and the cancellation of the exam, which caused a lot of trouble and tension for the children, the Education Minister should either resign or be removed from his post," Abdullah said.
Drawing a comparison with previous public movements, Abdullah recalled that during Anna Hazare's anti-corruption agitation, the then UPA government had initiated dialogue by sending senior ministers to meet the protesters. He questioned why a similar approach had not been adopted in Wangchuk's case.
He said, "But, no attempt has been made yet to talk to Wangchuk. We don't know what the government's attitude will be in the coming days, but we are definitely concerned about Wangchuk's health."
Abdullah also said the demand for justice raised by the protesters over the NEET issue cannot be dismissed.
"Many people (politicians) have gone there. When they are demanding justice in connection with the NEET exam, we too feel their demand is not wrong, the demand is right. But, I do not know why this government doesn't even pay attention to these things," he added.
The Chief Minister also criticised political statements being made outside the residence of his late uncle and former minister Mustafa Kamal, where family members were observing a mourning period.
He said political leaders should avoid turning condolence visits into political events.
"We have a condolence gathering here. 'Chauram' (fourth day of mourning) is tomorrow. Now, there should be some kind of break for politics. It is surprising that those who express condolences inside here, they do politics outside. If you want to do politics, don't come to offer condolences, because it feels strange," Abdullah said.
He further added, "The same house where you come to offer condolences, you do politics right outside it. Do politics outside your own house. I will not talk about politics outside the house that has suffered a loss, where there is an atmosphere of sorrow and grief."
Sonam Wangchuk joined the ongoing protest over the NEET controversy on June 28 and has been on an indefinite hunger strike since then. His fast has drawn support from several political leaders and activists, while concerns continue to grow over his health.
