Protest against reservation policy in Jammu and Kashmir, demand for rational change intensifies

There were widespread protests on Monday in Jammu and Kashmir regarding the reservation policy.
National Conference (NC) leader and Lok Sabha member from Srinagar Aga Ruhullah Mehdi sought to rationalize the issue and led a peaceful protest outside the residence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

Controversy over reservation policy: current situation

• Under the new reservation policy implemented after the removal of the provisions of Article 370:
  • General category seats have reduced to 30%.
  • 70% seats have been reserved for different communities.
  • Pahari speaking people have also been given the benefit of reservation.
• Affected Category:
  • Students of many courses, including those doing medical and surgical training, are protesting against this policy.

support of opposition leaders

This protest against the reservation policy received support from many politicians:

1. Sheikh Abdul Rasheed (MP from Baramulla):
   • Engineer Rashid supported this movement.
2. PDP leaders Waheed Para and Iltija Mufti:
   • Both appreciated the NC leader’s step.
3. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq (Hurriyat Conference President):
   • Mirwaiz said,
     

     “It is necessary to resolve the issue of reservation with justice and fairness.”

   • He also expressed concern over the violation of the interests of the general category due to reservation.
4. Awami Ittehad Party:
   • MLA Sheikh Khurshid and spokesperson Inam Un Nabi also participated in the protest.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s statement

Mirwaiz wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

“The current status of reservation policy is affecting the interests of certain sections of the society. It is important that the interests of all sections are protected and problems are resolved.”
He sought permission from the administration to participate in the demonstration.

Government’s stance

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said his government has formed a sub-committee to review the reservation policy.

• Government statement:
  • “We will follow the court’s instructions.”
• The formation of the sub-committee shows that the government is serious on the issue, but it is not clear whether the demands of the protesters will be fully accepted or not.

Importance of performance and support

• This protest not only indicates dissatisfaction over the reservation policy, but also shows that this issue is capable of bringing different political parties together.
• Counterattack:
  • NC leader Ruhullah’s move against his own party’s government shows that there is dissatisfaction within the party on this issue.