Omar Abdullah questions Centre's silence on Wangchuk's hunger strike

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday expressed concern over the health of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike for 19 days, and questioned why the Centre had not yet initiated talks with him.

Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Abdullah said politics should never lose sight of humanity and compassion, especially when a person's health is at risk.

"Politics has its place, but somewhere there should also be a place for humanity and compassion," he said.

Abdullah noted that Wangchuk had lost around nine kilograms during the fast and said the government had made no visible effort to persuade him to end his hunger strike or begin a dialogue.

Drawing a comparison with the Anna Hazare anti-corruption movement during the UPA government, Abdullah said then prime minister Manmohan Singh had sent ministers to speak with the protesters and encourage talks.

"But no attempt has been made yet to talk to Wangchuk. We are definitely concerned about his health," he said.

The Chief Minister added that had his uncle and National Conference leader Mustafa Kamal not recently passed away, someone from his party would have joined the protest in solidarity.

"He is not on a hunger strike to listen to what we say. He needs an assurance from the government," Abdullah said.

Backing the protesters, Abdullah said their demands were justified. He referred to the ongoing agitation over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and questioned why the government was not responding to the concerns being raised.

Wangchuk joined the protest at Jantar Mantar on June 28 and has remained on an indefinite hunger strike since then. The demonstrators are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak and examination irregularities.

Abdullah also criticised those who made political remarks while his family was mourning the death of Mustafa Kamal.

"If you want to do politics, don't come. It feels strange when people express condolences inside and do politics outside," he said.

PTI