SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday expressed concern over the health of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, saying it was surprising that the Centre had made no apparent effort to initiate dialogue with him despite his 18-day hunger strike and significant weight loss.
Speaking to reporters, Omar said Wangchuk had reportedly lost 9 kg during the fast and questioned why the government had not attempted to persuade him to end his protest.
Drawing a comparison with social activist Anna Hazare’s hunger strike at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan, Omar said the then United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government led by former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh had deputed ministers to engage with Hazare and convince him to end his fast.
“We do not know how the government will act going forward, but we are genuinely concerned about Sonam Wangchuk’s health. His demands are not unreasonable, yet the government does not appear to be concerned about them,” Omar said.
The Chief Minister also criticised political leaders who visited his family to offer condolences following the death of his uncle, Mustafa Kamal, alleging that some later sought to derive political mileage from the visit.
“People who come here to offer condolences should not indulge in politics outside. If they want to do politics, they need not come here,” Omar said.
