Srinagar, July 16: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah criticized the Centre for what he described as its lack of response to activist Sonam Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, saying the government’s silence was concerning despite reports of Wangchuk’s declining health.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Omar said there had been no meaningful outreach from the Union Government to engage with Wangchuk or encourage him to end his fast, which entered its 19th day on Thursday.
“The government’s approach appears indifferent. Despite the prolonged hunger strike and Wangchuk’s belief that he is fighting for a legitimate cause, there has been no visible effort to initiate dialogue or persuade him to call off the protest,” the Chief Minister said.
Omar stressed that humanitarian concerns should rise above political disagreements, adding that the health and well-being of a protester should not be ignored regardless of the issues involved.
Recalling a previous example, he said that during anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare’s hunger strike, the then UPA government had deputed senior ministers to hold discussions with him and his team in an effort to resolve the impasse.
“That spirit of engagement is missing today,” Omar remarked.
He also expressed concern over Wangchuk’s physical condition, noting reports that the activist had lost nearly nine kilograms since beginning the fast.
“His health has deteriorated significantly, yet there has been no response from the government,” Omar said.
Sonam Wangchuk is observing an indefinite hunger strike at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar under the banner of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET examination paper leak.
