Hunger Strike

Developing Story / Politics

J&K Congress Launches Hunger Strike Campaign for Restoration of Statehood

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Hunger Strike Campaign

The Jammu and Kashmir Congress leader on Saturday sat a hunger strike here to press for the restoration of the Union territory’s statehood.

The strike was launched by Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Karra at the party’s head office at M A Road here.Karra and other senior leaders of the party, including AICC general secretary Ghulam Ahmad Mir and party MLAs, joined the hunger strike.

A similar hunger strike will be observed in Jammu on Sunday.

The hunger strike is part of the party’s campaign ‘hamari riyasat, hamara haq’ to press for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, which was downgraded and bifurcated into two Union territories – J-K and Ladakh – on August 5, 2019, by the Centre.

The Centre also abrogated Articles 370 and 35A that day.

Speaking to reporters, Karra said the party has launched a “struggle to awaken the blind, deaf and dumb government in Delhi”.

“We selected this day as it is the day when the ‘Quit India Movement’ was launched. From August 9 to 21, the party will observe six hunger strikes across various districts of J-K,” he said.

The JKPCC president said the peaceful hunger strike has been launched for the wishes and aspirations of the 1.40 crore citizens of J-K.

He said that as the Parliament session is going on, the party would wait for any development related to the restoration of J-K’s statehood.“If there is no development, then on August 21 (when the session ends), a new programme will be given,” he added.

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Former Law Minister Criticizes Union Government Over Neglect of Sonam Wangchuk’s Hunger Strike

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Former Law Minister of the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir, Syed Basharat Bukhari, expressed regret over the Union Government’s failure to engage with renowned innovator and Ladakhi Magsaysay Award recipient, Sonam Wangchuk. Wangchuk is currently on a hunger strike demanding statehood status for Ladakh.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Bukhari lamented the lack of attention from New Delhi towards individuals like Wangchuk, who have garnered global admiration for their philanthropy and social initiatives. He emphasized that demanding statehood was a legitimate right, and when someone like Wangchuk resorts to a hunger strike in freezing sub-zero temperatures, it is the government’s responsibility to at least engage with him.

Bukhari underscored the importance of dialogue among all stakeholders, stressing that every voice should be taken seriously. His statement comes amidst the backdrop of two unsuccessful rounds of talks between Ladakh representatives and Home Minister Amit Shah, with no tangible outcomes.

Wangchuk initiated his hunger strike on March 6 following the stalemate in discussions between Ladakh’s leadership and the Union Home Ministry. The Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) reported that talks at the sub-committee level and their separate meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah did not produce any positive outcomes.

Syed Basharat Bukhari urged the Union Government to intervene and persuade Wangchuk to end his hunger strike, particularly considering the harsh weather conditions. He reiterated that peaceful protest within the framework of the constitution is a fundamental right that deserves respect and attention.

As Wangchuk’s protest continues amid a lack of resolution, voices like Bukhari’s highlight the urgency for meaningful dialogue and action to address the legitimate grievances of the people of Ladakh. (KNS)