In a bold move against Jammu and Kashmir’s new reservation policy, National Conference Member of Parliament Aga Ruhullah Mehdi led a significant protest on Monday outside the residence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Srinagar. The protest, aimed at demanding a fair rationalization of the Union Territory’s reservation framework, drew widespread attention and support.
Ruhullah Mehdi had earlier announced his intentions on social media, following a commitment to students who sought his backing against the contentious reservation policy introduced under the J&K Reorganisation Act. He had issued an ultimatum to the administration, calling for action by December 22.
Joining Mehdi were prominent PDP leaders Iltija Mufti and Waheed Para, along with hundreds of students and job seekers. Para, voicing his solidarity, took to X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“Our demand is not against affirmative action but aims to ensure it goes beyond tokenism to achieve substantive equality. Marginalized communities should not only be included but empowered to lead change. However, merit must remain the cornerstone of our systems. Reservation should bridge inequalities, not perpetuate imbalance. Policies reducing majorities to minorities are unsustainable and unjust.”
The new reservation policy, introduced by the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha-led administration, has sparked controversy. General category students argue that the policy disproportionately increased reservations for Scheduled Tribes by 20%, incorporating Paharis, and expanded the OBC quota to 8%. With the reserved category quota exceeding 60%, open merit students claim their opportunities have been reduced to less than 40%.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Chairman of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, also extended his support to the protest, stating on X that he would participate if permitted:
“My delegation will be there to support. I will also address the issue in #JamaMasjid when allowed.”
In response to the protests, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah assured a delegation of protesters that a cabinet sub-committee reviewing the reservation policy would present its findings within six months.
“Today, I met representatives of the Open Merit Students Association. Democracy thrives on dialogue and the right to be heard. I have given assurances and requested mutual cooperation. This channel of communication will remain open without intermediaries,” Abdullah wrote on X.
As tensions surrounding the policy continue to mount, the protest highlights the growing demand for equitable and merit-based reforms in Jammu and Kashmir’s reservation system.
