‘There must be room for humanity’: J&K CM expresses concern over Wangchuk’s health
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed concern over the deteriorating health of activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is on an indefinite hunger strike in New Delhi. Abdullah criticized the government for failing to initiate a dialogue with Wangchuk, whose protest demands accountability for alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.
Why it matters
The situation highlights ongoing tensions regarding government accountability and the treatment of civil society activists in India.
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.”
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