Medical students stage a protest, led by Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, demanding rationalisation of reservation in Jammu and Kashmir, outside J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s residence in Srinagar, on December 23, 2024.
| Photo Credit: PTI
Kashmir Students Protest Against Reservation Policy
Hundreds of students from Jammu and Kashmir staged a demonstration outside Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s residence in Srinagar on December 23, 2024, calling for a rationalization of the Union Territory’s reservation policy. Cutting across political lines, the protest saw participation from mainstream leaders like Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, an MP from the ruling National Conference, and Iltija Mufti, a leader from the Opposition People’s Democratic Party.
The Key Grievance: A Quicker
Share of Opportunities for Open Merit Categories
Students protesting argue that the new reservation policy, introduced during the erstwhile Central rule, has unfairly tilted the scales in favor of reserved categories, leaving open merit students with a shrinking chance at securing jobs and educational opportunities. They argue that the reservation policy now stands at over 60%, with open merit students facing a meager 40% chance.
“We are not against reservation for any community that truly needs it,” said Aga Syed Ruhullah. “At the same time, we demand that open merit students also get a fair shot. The current policy is not sustainable. There are two ways to rationalize it: either reserve according to population ratios, or follow the Supreme Court’s ruling that allows a 50% reservation for open merit candidates.”
PDP and Other Voices Join the Protest
Joining the students, PDP legislator Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra called for equitable distribution of opportunities and an end to policies that jeopardize the interests of the majority. The Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) also participated, with MLA Sheikh Khurshid stating that the current policy is detrimental to youth prospects.
Meeting the Chief Minister
A delegation of five students met Mr. Abdullah to discuss their concerns. The Chief Minister assured them of addressing their demands and fostering open dialogue on the issue. “The beauty of democracy is the right to be heard,” he tweeted.
The protest underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive review of the reservation policy in Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring a balance between social justice and equal opportunities for all._
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
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