WAJAHAT SHABIR
SRINAGAR: Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday criticised the central government over the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, saying the move only reflects New Delhi’s inability to stand by the promises it made to the people of Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir.
Reacting to questions on Wangchuk’s detention, Omar said it was evident from the start that the Centre would act against him. “The way the central government was after him since yesterday, it almost seemed obvious that they would take such action. Just like promises were made to us, I still don’t understand what compulsion the central government has — they make promises and then go back on them,” he said.
The National Conference leader recalled that before the Hill Council elections in Ladakh, a Union minister had been sent to persuade people to participate, after they had announced a boycott. “Promises were made, people not only participated actively but even helped the BJP win. Yet those promises remained unfulfilled. The same happened with us. Commitments were made, people contested elections, we formed the government, but those promises were never implemented,” he said.
Rejecting the BJP’s attempt to shift blame, Omar said he has never justified violence nor held any administrative responsibility for Ladakh’s security. “I am not your LG. Security is not my responsibility. Nor have I ever justified violence. Let them justify instead why the promises made at the time of Ladakh’s separation have not been fulfilled, why the promises made with us have not been implemented,” he remarked.
He also questioned the BJP’s motives in delaying the restoration of statehood to Jammu & Kashmir.
“Is it really the fault of the people of Jammu and Kashmir alone? The Leader of Opposition is not the Chief Minister. If our statehood depends on them coming to power, then they should say it openly in court — that until the BJP forms a government here, Jammu and Kashmir will not get back statehood. At least we will not allow them to come to power by holding our statehood hostage,” Omar asserted.
Meanwhile, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Friday said the arrest of Sonam Wangchuk is “deeply disturbing”, terming the climate activist as a lifelong advocate of peace.
“Sonam Wangchuk’s arrest is deeply disturbing. A lifelong advocate of peace, sustainability and truth is being punished merely for demanding that promises be kept,” Mufti said in a post on X.
The former chief minister said the situation in Leh, following Wednesday’s violence, was a grim echo of what Kashmir has endured.
“Today, Leh is under curfew with internet shut down a grim echo of what Kashmir has long endured. In today’s India, speaking truth to power comes at a heavy cost or how else could a man who stood for peace and non violence his entire life end up behind bars?” she asked.
Commenting on the cancellation of FCRA licence of Wangchuk’s SEMCOL organisation, Mufti said, “The Home Ministry’s cancellation of Sonam Wangchuk’s FCRA license is not governance, it’s frustration disguised as punishment,” she said.
The PDP president said Wangchuk is not anti-government or anti-national. “He is simply holding the Union government to its own promises especially the commitment to extend the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh, to protect its land, jobs, identity, and fragile culture. Seeking accountability doesn’t amount to crime,” she added.
Mufti said the man who built ice stupas, solar schools and lit up Ladakh “with innovation and hope is now being targeted in darkness”.
