In a bold display of dissent, National Conference MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi spearheaded a protest outside Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s Srinagar residence on Monday, demanding the rationalization of the reservation policy in the Union Territory (UT). The protest, which drew a significant crowd, sought immediate attention to what protesters described as an inequitable reservation framework under the J&K Reorganisation Act.
Rallying for Fairness: Ruhullah’s Commitment to Students
Ruhullah Mehdi’s decision to lead the demonstration was driven by his earlier pledge to students opposing the controversial reservation changes. Announcing the protest on social media, the MP reiterated his commitment to ensuring justice for those impacted. Previously, Mehdi had issued an ultimatum to the administration, demanding action on the issue by December 22.
Prominent People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leaders, including Iltija Mufti and Waheed Para, joined Mehdi alongside hundreds of students and job aspirants, amplifying the call for change.
A Balancing Act: Reservations and Merit
Speaking on the matter, Waheed Para emphasized the need for equitable policies that promote inclusivity without undermining meritocracy. “Our demand is not against affirmative action; it is about making it meaningful. Reservations must bridge inequalities, not create perpetual imbalances. Policies that reduce the majority to a minority are neither fair nor sustainable,” Para wrote on X, endorsing Mehdi’s protest.
Controversial Policy Sparks Outcry
The reservation policy, introduced by the Manoj Sinha-led administration during Central rule, has faced widespread criticism. Protesters argue that the policy disproportionately favors certain groups, raising the reservation for Scheduled Tribes to 20%, including Paharis, and increasing the OBC quota to 8%. As a result, the total reserved quota now exceeds 60%, leaving less than 40% for open merit candidates.
This drastic shift has sparked concerns about fairness and inclusivity, with students alleging that opportunities for open merit candidates have been severely curtailed.
Solidarity from Across the Spectrum
The protest garnered support from diverse quarters, including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Chairman of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference. In a statement, Farooq expressed solidarity with the demonstrators, adding that he would join the protest if permitted. “My delegation will be there to support. I will also address the issue in #JamaMasjid whenever allowed,” he wrote on X.
Government’s Response: A Promise of Review
Following the protest, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met with a delegation of protesters, assuring them that a cabinet sub-committee would review the policy and submit its findings within six months.
“I met representatives of the Open Merit Students Association today. The essence of democracy is dialogue and the right to be heard. I’ve provided certain assurances and requested cooperation. This channel of communication will remain open, free from intermediaries or external influences,” Abdullah posted on X.
While the government’s assurances have momentarily quelled tensions, the protest highlights ongoing discontent with the reservation policy and the broader challenges of balancing merit and inclusion in Jammu and Kashmir.
