File photo: Sonam Wangchuk (left) and J&K CM Omar Abdullah
SRINAGAR: Leh Apex Body representatives shelved Saturday a planned trip to New Delhi after fellow member and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk refused to end his 22-day hunger strike, while J&K CM Omar Abdullah accused Centre of double standards by discussing Article 371-like safeguards for Ladakh but denying statehood to J&K.LAB co-chairman Chering Dorjay Lakrook said Wangchuk had made it clear he had “no intention” of calling off his fast, prompting LAB to drop plans to send an eight-member delegation to persuade him. “We still hope he reconsiders his decisions and ends it soon,” he said, adding his presence was crucial as talks with Centre had reached a critical stage.Wangchuk is fasting in support of Cockroach Janta Party’s protest at Jantar Mantar seeking Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation and govt accountability over NEET paper leak and other exam irregularities.Ladakh’s two main groupings — LAB and Kargil Democratic Alliance — have been demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards.Minutes of a May 22 meeting between LAB, KDA and an MHA sub-committee said Centre had agreed to explore a customised Article 371-like model for Ladakh, covering executive, financial and legislative powers for a UT-level elected body.Addressing a rally in Srinagar before National Conference’s planned July 20 protest at Jantar Mantar for restoration of J&K’s statehood, Omar questioned why Centre was willing to discuss constitutional safeguards for Ladakh while refusing to reconstitute J&K as a state. “Look at how Ladakh is being treated compared to J&K,” Omar said. “When we ask for restoration of statehood, BJP functionaries who are ready to discuss Article 371-like protections for Ladakh tell us that J&K will not even get statehood.”The CM said Centre had assured Supreme Court that delimitation, elections and restoration of statehood would follow in sequence. “Delimitation has taken place. Elections have also been held. What is our fault if the people of J&K elected us to govern?” he asked.Omar also alleged that a BJP functionary offered one of NC’s Jammu MLAs Rs 30 crore, a ministerial berth and restoration of statehood if he switched sides.
