Top News

New Delhi: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday urged the Centre to reach out to activist Sonam Wangchuk, saying political differences should not prevent the government from showing compassion. He had said that he was very worried at Wangchuk’s ill health after he fasted for over two weeks and had said that there should be room for dialogue instead of extended silence.

Speaking to reporters, Abdullah said governments have a responsibility to engage with peaceful protesters, particularly when a hunger strike begins to affect a person’s health. He argued that opening communication does not mean accepting every demand, but it reflects a democratic approach to resolving disagreements.

Abdullah told PTI that Wangchuk has dropped some 9 kg since starting his indefinite hunger strike and his condition is worsening. He asked the centre the reason it failed to appeal to him for the termination of his fast or to begin negotiation.

Abdullah said there should be a space for humanity and compassion in addition to politics, and at least the government should try to convince Wangchuk to resume negotiations.

The chief minister also compared Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption movement during the UPA government. He said that the then PM Manmohan Singh’s government had sent ministers to meet protesters and talk to them, which should be done in the current scenario too.

Abdullah also supported the demand for accountability for the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. He added that several public officials visited the demonstration location and that the students’ voice on the examination issue was a legitimate voice. “The demand is right, but I do not know why the government is not paying attention,” he said.

On June 28, Wangchuk joined the ongoing protest and has been on an indefinite fast ever since. The agitation against Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has been called by the Cockroach Janta Party over alleged irregularities in NEET.

Abdullah also slammed political figures who, he said, make political statements after visiting his family to pay condolences after his uncle and former minister Mustafa Kamal’s death. He stated that families should be respected in their grief over a loved one and condolence visits should not be political.