Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) parliamentarian Syed Aga Ruhullah announced a sit-in protest outside the residence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in response to ongoing concerns regarding the state’s reservation scheme, which allegedly disadvantages open merit category students. The protest is set to take place on December 22, 2024, if the issue remains unresolved by that date.
In a recent statement, Mr. Ruhullah urged participants to maintain civility and focus on advocating for a rational reservation policy. He directly challenged political opponents to demonstrate their sincerity by joining the protest rather than relying on rhetoric to gain political advantage.
With growing support from various open merit student organizations, Ruhullah’s initiative aims to address serious grievances surrounding the current reservation system. A spokesperson from the J&K Students Association praised his principled stance and commitment to advocate for the rights of students. They emphasized the necessity of reforming the reservation policy to ensure social justice and equal opportunities for all.
In light of the severe cold wave affecting the Kashmir Valley, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has canceled his planned schedule in Jammu. He reassured students that their concerns regarding the reservation policy would be addressed. Abdullah acknowledged the protest’s significance and emphasized that peaceful demonstration is a democratic right, reiterating the government’s commitment to listening to the community’s grievances.
He explained that a Cabinet Sub-Committee has been formed to examine the reservation issue, reaffirming JKNC’s commitment to addressing the concerns raised in their electoral manifesto. Abdullah highlighted that the reservation policy’s legality is currently under review by the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, and the government will abide by the court’s judgment once final legal avenues are exhausted.
Recent government decisions have altered the dynamics of the reservation system in Jammu and Kashmir, reducing the open merit category to approximately 40%. Students from this category argue that the Supreme Court’s 1992 ruling, which caps reservations at 50%, is being violated, depriving them of their constitutional rights to equal access to education and opportunities.
As the protest date approaches, tensions regarding the reservation policy continue to rise in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting the need for a comprehensive dialogue among all stakeholders involved.
Published – December 22, 2024 09:27 pm IST
