‘There must be room for humanity’: J&K CM expresses concern over Wangchuk’s health

Activist Sonam Wangchuk during the 19th day of her 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 the deteriorating health of activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is currently on an indefinite hunger strike in Delhi.

“Politics has its place, but there must also be room for humanity and compassion,” Mr Abdullah said.

In memory of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on the government’s engagement led by protesting activist Anna Hazare and his associates during a hunger strike in New Delhi in 2011, Mr. Abdullah said, “The then government sent ministers to deal with them and tried to convince them to call off the strike and come to the negotiating table with Mr. Wchang to start a dialogue.”

The J&K CM added that he was “definitely worried about the health of Mr Wangchuk”, who was quick to seek the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.

“Many people visited him. His demand is not wrong. It is a legitimate demand, but it seems the government is not paying attention to these matters,” Abdullah said.

He said Mr Wangchuk’s demand for accountability for irregularities in the investigation was justified. “We are looking for justice in this matter as well. I don’t understand why the government is not paying attention to these issues,” he added.

Published – 16 Jul 2026 22:39 IST