Atiya Mujeeb
Srinagar, July 16: Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Thursday appealed to activist Sonam Wangchuk to take care of his health while continuing his agitation, saying both his well-being and the movement are equally important.
Speaking to reporters, Choudhary said Wangchuk had raised genuine concerns, particularly over the alleged NEET paper leak, which had affected the future of many students. “He should take care of his health while continuing his movement. Both are important,” he said.
On the National Conference’s proposed July 20 protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, Choudhary said the programme would go ahead whether or not the Centre grants permission.
He said the party had waited 21 months for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and was now staging the protest to remind the Centre of its promises made in Parliament, before the Supreme Court and during the elections.
Choudhary said restoring statehood was essential for addressing unemployment and ensuring better governance. He added that the National Conference’s only demand was the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.
Taking a swipe at the BJP, he accused the party of trying to divert attention from the planned protest and asked it to explain what it had achieved during its years in power in Jammu and Kashmir.
