Show some humanity: Omar Abdullah urges Centre as Sonam Wangchuk's health worsens
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday voiced concern over the health of activist Sonam Wangchuk, saying the Centre should have appealed to
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday voiced concern over the health of activist Sonam Wangchuk, saying the Centre should have appealed to him to end his fast and that there should be room for humanity and compassion even in politics. Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Abdullah also criticised those who, he said, were doing politics outside the home of his uncle and former minister Mustafa Kamal after visiting the bereaved family to offer condolences. Read Full Story Abdullah said Wangchuk had been on hunger strike for many days and that, as far as he knew, he had only one demand. "As far as I know, he has only one demand that due to irregularities in the NEET exam and the cancellation of the exam, which caused a lot of trouble and tension for the children, the Education Minister should either resign or be removed from his post," he said.
He said he was surprised that the Central government had not responded even as Wangchuk's health had been affected. "The surprising thing is that it has been 18 days for him, perhaps the 19th day is going on. He has lost around 9 kg of weight, and it is affecting his health. But the government is not budging, not appealing to him in any way to stop his hunger strike. Politics has its place, but somewhere there should also be a place for humanity and compassion," Abdullah said. Comparing the Centre's approach with the Anna Hazare-led protest during the UPA government, Abdullah said then prime minister Manmohan Singh had sent ministers to speak to the protesters and persuade them to end their fast and return to dialogue. "But, no attempt has been made yet to talk to Wangchuk. We don't know what the government's attitude will be in the coming days, but we are definitely concerned about Wangchuk health," he added.
The chief minister said the protesters' demand for justice over the NEET issue was valid. "Many people (politicians) have gone there. When they are demanding justice in connection with the NEET exam, we too feel their demand is not wrong, the demand is right. But, I do not know why this government doesn't even pay attention to these things," he said. The Cockroach Janta Party has been holding a protest for more than 25 days, demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. Wangchuk joined the agitation on June 28 and has been on an indefinite fast since then. Abdullah also objected to political remarks being made outside the residence of his late uncle. "We have a condolence gathering here. 'Chauram' (fourth day of mourning) is tomorrow. Now, there should be some kind of break for politics.
The BriefWire