Srinagar, Jul 16 (KNO): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said the National Conference’s July 20 programme in New Delhi will go ahead as planned, asserting that while the venue or mode of the proposed protest may change, the party’s decision to travel to the national capital and raise its voice in Delhi will remain unchanged.
He also urged political leaders not to use condolence visits as a platform for politics and expressed concern over the health of activist Sonam Wangchuk.
Speaking to reporters here, the Chief Minister, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the party would not abandon its Delhi programme.
“The venue may change, the manner may change, but our plan to go to Delhi will not change. We will not carry out this programme secretly in some corner. We will go to Delhi and raise our voice there,” he said.
Asked whether announcements of other political programmes ahead of the proposed July 20 protest amounted to sabotage or a diversion, Omar said he would not get into whether it is sabotage or a diversion.
Reiterating the party’s resolve, Abdullah said the National Conference would proceed with its programme regardless of the circumstances.
“If we wanted to hold the programme secretly, we could have done it in the courtyard of our own home. We will go to Delhi and, one way or another, raise our voice there. After that, we will decide the future course of action,” he said.
Referring to the demise of his uncle, Dr Mustafa Kamal, the CM urged political leaders to keep grief separate from politics and avoid using condolence visits to make political statements.
“We are here to receive people who have come to offer condolences. There should be a pause in politics at such a time. It feels strange when people express sympathy inside the house and then step outside to make political statements,” he said.
He said those intending to do politics should not use condolence visits for that purpose. “If you want to do politics, then don’t come to offer condolences. Come only to express sympathy. Don’t come to the house of a grieving family and then do politics outside its gate. I will not discuss politics during this mourning period,” he said.
Responding to a question on activist Sonam Wangchuk’s ongoing hunger strike in New Delhi, Omar expressed concern over his health and criticised the government's lack of engagement despite the fast entering its 19th day.
“It is surprising that he has been on a hunger strike for 19 days and has reportedly lost around nine kg, yet the government has made no effort to initiate a dialogue or even appeal to him to end the fast. His health has been affected, but no one has even tried to speak to him,” he said.
Stressing that humanitarian concerns should transcend political differences, the CM recalled the Centre’s response during social activist Anna Hazare's hunger strike.
“Politics has its place, but humanity and compassion should come first. During Anna Hazare’s hunger strike, the government led by Dr Manmohan Singh sent ministers to hold talks and persuade him to end the fast. But no one has even tried to speak to Sonam Wangchuk. We do not know what the government will do next, but we are concerned about his health,” he said.
Asked whether the NC would support those protesting and seeking justice, Abdullah said demanding justice was legitimate and deserved attention.
“Many people have gone there. They are asking for justice. There is nothing wrong with demanding justice. It is the right thing to do. I do not understand why the government is not paying attention to these issues,” he said—(KNO)