Activist Sonam Wangchuk during the 19th day of his indefinite fast at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 16, 2026.
| Photo Credit: Shashi Shekhar Kashyap
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday (July 16, 2026) expressed concern over deteriorating health of activist Sonam Wangchuk who is currently on an indefinite hunger strike in New Delhi.
“Politics has its place, but there must also be a room for humanity and compassion,” Mr. Abdullah said.
Recalling former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh-led government’s engagement with protesting activist Anna Hazare and his associates during a hunger strike in New Delhi back in 2011, Mr. Abdullah said: “The then government sent ministers to engage with them and tried to persuade them to call off the strike and come to the negotiating table. But no attempt has been made so far to initiate a dialogue with Mr. Wangchuk.”
The J&K CM added that he was “certainly concerned about Mr. Wangchuk’s health”, who has undertaken the fast seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.
“Many people have visited him. His demand is not wrong. It is a legitimate demand but the government does not seem to pay attention to these matters,” Mr. Abdullah said.
He said Mr. Wangchuk’s demand for accountability over examination irregularities was justified. “We are also seeking justice in this matter. I do not understand why the government is not paying attention to these issues,” he added.
Published – July 16, 2026 10:39 pm IST
