Srinagar, Dec 23 (KNO): Senior National Conference (NC) leader and Member of Parliament (MP) Aga Ruhullah Mehdi led a youth protest outside Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s official residence at Gupkar on Monday, expressing concerns over the contentious Reservation Policy.
The protest, which began at Burn Hall School, saw the participation of prominent political leaders, including MLA Pulwama Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra, MLA Langate Sheikh Khurshid, PDP leader Iltija Mufti and former SMC Mayor Junaid Azim Mattoo, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
The leaders led by Ruhullah were joined by many youths from different parts of the valley who slammed the new reservation policy implemented by the Lieutenant Governor-led administration earlier this year, which reduced the quota for the general category to 40% while increasing reservations for other categories to 60%.
Addressing the gathering, MP Ruhullah called for the rationalisation of the reservation quota based on population proportions, saying there must be fairness and adherence to the Supreme Court’s guidelines.
“The grievances of students are genuine. I promised them that I would protest in their favour, and today I am here to fulfill that promise. We need a policy that ensures justice and fairness, without any form of discrimination,” he said.
Ruhullah expressed dissatisfaction with the formation of a cabinet sub-committee to address the issue, saying, “I am not satisfied with their approach. The real question is whether students feel their grievances are being heard and addressed. I will keep fighting until they are satisfied.”
He added, "I don't want any chaos. I’m not here to divide my party. I will knock on every door to seek justice; and if anyone wants to create chaos in J&K, I will hit the streets to oppose them.”
The MP extended gratitude to leaders like Waheed Parra, Iltija Mufti and Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) for supporting the cause. “This is not about dividing parties or creating chaos. It is about ensuring justice for the youth,” he added.
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader and MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra called for urgently addressing the reservation policy issue. “We are not here for political mileage. The future of our youth cannot be neglected. With the alarming unemployment rate in Jammu and Kashmir and the absence of a robust private sector, public sector opportunities are crucial for our youth,” he said.
Parra criticised the current system as being “lopsided” and urged for equitable distribution of reservation quotas. “Merit must not be sacrificed. We are not opposing any community, but we demand fairness and equality for all,” he added.
PDP leader Iltija Mufti slammed the government for its inaction. “It has been a month since the cabinet sub-committee was formed, but there has been no progress. Hollow promises won’t suffice; the government must act decisively,” she said.
She urged the administration to demonstrate leadership during this crisis. “This is a test of governance. A fair and time-bound resolution to the reservation policy issue is what we expect,” she said.
Mufti reiterated that the protest was not against any community but aimed at achieving a balanced reservation policy. “Our party stands committed to advocating for fairness and ensuring the government delivers on its promises,” she added.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq extended his support for the protesters in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “The issue of reservations should be addressed with justice and fairness. The current policy undermines the interests of the general/open merit category. I appeal to the authorities to address their concerns immediately.”
Mirwaiz expressed his willingness to join the protest, saying, “If allowed by the authorities, I will personally join the protest. My delegation will be present to support the cause, and I will raise the issue in Jama Masjid whenever permitted.”
Former SMC Mayor Junaid Azim Mattoo accused the ruling party of failing to deliver on its promises. “The reservation issue was not thrust upon the government; it is something they promised to resolve. Now they are making excuses to evade responsibility,” he said.
The calls for the revocation of the reservation policy have been getting louder with the support of students’ associations, leaders and political parties. The leaders have called for a more balanced and just policy that reflects population proportions without sacrificing merit—(KNO)