On September 26, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the arrest of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, describing it as unfortunate while alleging that the BJP-led NDA government failed to uphold its commitments to the people of the region.
Abdullah made these remarks at the inaugural ceremony of the third Junior Asian Pencak Silat Championship, held in Jammu. He expressed concern over the events leading to Wangchuk’s arrest, stating, “The way the Central government was after him since yesterday, it seemed they would do something like this.”
Wangchuk’s detention followed violent protests in Ladakh, which had erupted just two days prior and resulted in four fatalities and over 90 injuries. The exact charges against Wangchuk remain unclear, which has raised questions about the government’s motives.
The Union Home Ministry held Wangchuk responsible for instigating violence, pointing to his role as a senior member of the Leh Apex Body (LAB). This organization, alongside the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), has led ongoing agitation advocating for the demands of statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
Abdullah highlighted that promises made to ensure a democratic process in Leh were not fulfilled, stating, “Before the Hill council elections in 2020, a Union minister visited Leh as the people chose to boycott the elections.” He added that despite initial reluctance, local participation surged, leading to a significant victory for the BJP.
“Not only did people participate in huge numbers, but they also made BJP win. But the promises were not kept, just as with us,” he lamented, underscoring a pattern of unmet commitments from the central government.
The Chief Minister recalled past assurances regarding the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood after the completion of assembly elections. “People participated in the elections, establishing a government based on those promises,” Abdullah stated, stirring doubts about the government’s intentions. He questioned whether the delay in restoring statehood was linked to the BJP’s electoral success in the region.
He posed a provocative question: “If that is the case, then they should tell the court that till BJP doesn’t form the government in JK, statehood will not be restored.” This statement encapsulated Abdullah’s criticism of the central government’s perceived political motives.
Responding to allegations from the Leader of Opposition in the J&K assembly, Sunil Sharma, who accused Abdullah of justifying the violence in Ladakh, the Chief Minister retorted that BJP members often shift blame onto others. He stressed that the focus should remain on addressing the broader issues affecting Ladakh and its citizens.
In a political climate marked by unrest, Abdullah’s comments highlight rising tensions between the Jammu and Kashmir leadership and the central government. As the region grapples with demands for greater autonomy, the arrest of advocates like Wangchuk raises significant questions about civil liberties and the government’s commitment to fostering a peaceful and democratic environment.
