Srinagar MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, of the National Conference, on Sunday called for a peaceful protest outside the residence of J&K Chief Minister and party vice-president Omar Abdullah, demanding “rationalisation of the reservation policy”.
In response, Omar said that while he “understands the emotions surrounding the reservation issue”, a Cabinet sub-committee has been notified for the same and will begin work on engaging stakeholders.
The issue of “rationalisation” of the reservation policy in Jammu and Kashmir has been a key point of public debate over the last few months. It was also part of the National Conference’s election manifesto ahead of the party-led alliance’s victory in the Assembly elections earlier this year.
Taking to X, the Srinagar MP wrote, “Today marks the date I had committed to stand with those whose voices demand rationality in the reservation policy.” He said he had urged everyone to wait until December 22 to give the elected government time to address this issue. However, “I also said that if the matter was not resolved by then, I would join you in protest outside the HCM’s residence or office,” Ruhullah said.
As that deadline ran out Sunday night, the MP called for others to join him in his protest outside the Chief Minister’s residence at Gupkar Road on Monday.
“Over the past month, I’ve observed a range of reactions to the formation of the sub-committee. To those who believe that the issue remains unaddressed in a satisfactory manner, I stand by my commitment. Tomorrow, I will join the people in a peaceful and dignified attempt to demand answers on their issues from the government,” he said.
He also urged all those “voluntarily coming” to the planned protest to maintain civility and focus on raising genuine demands for a rational reservation policy. “To those who seek to exploit this issue for political gains, I welcome you to step out tomorrow and step away from rhetoric. Show your sincerity where it matters — on the streets,” he said.
Meanwhile, in a post on X, the Chief Minister said his party had committed to examining all aspects of the reservation policy in its manifesto released before the Assembly elections. “It is as a continuation of this commitment that a Cabinet sub-committee was constituted to move towards fulfilling this promise. That sub-committee was only recently notified and is in the process of starting its work by engaging with all stakeholders,” he said.
The Chief Minister pointed out that the reservation policy was also being challenged in the High Court of J&K and Ladakh. “We will, of course, be bound by any judgment when the final legal options have been exhausted,” he said.
With regard to the planned protest, Omar said, “Peaceful protest is a democratic right and I would be the last person to deny anyone that right, but please protest knowing that the issue has not been ignored or swept under the carpet. Your government is doing what any responsible government would do – making sure everyone is heard and a fair decision arrived at after completing due process.”
J&K Reservation Rules of 2005 were amended this March by the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha-led administration before the Omar Abdullah government was elected. This has come under criticism from many in the Valley, who allege that it tipped the balance against candidates from the general category, who make up the bulk of the population of J&K.
The amendments were alleged to have been aimed at politically benefitting the BJP in the Assembly elections, according to the critics of the move. While it did not yield the desired results, it has sparked a row.
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