JKSA holds protest at Jantar Mantar against reservation policy

Srinagar, Dec 14: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Saturday held a peaceful sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, to voice their opposition to the current reservation policy in Jammu and Kashmir.

Dozens of students, along with members of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, joined the protest against the unjust reservation policy, read a press statement.

The protest saw participation from political parties and civil society rights groups, including Awami Ittehad Party leader Sheikh Aashiq, Kashmiri Pandit and AIPC President Sanjay Sapru, and student rights activist Mir Mujeeb, along with many other concerned scholars.

The protest was led by Jammu and Kashmir Students Association National Convenor Nasir Khuehami, who voiced his concerns about the policy's perceived injustices.

Speaking on the occasion, Khuehami reiterated that the protest was a call for fairness and equal opportunities for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.

He emphasized that the current reservation policy undermines merit-based opportunities and disproportionately affects deserving candidates, leaving them sidelined in favour of a system that does not account for the unique demographic needs of the region.

Khuehami clarified that while the Association does not oppose reservations in principle, their demand is for a reservation system that is fair, balanced, and reflective of Jammu and Kashmir’s demographic realities.

He urged the government to implement a system that ensures proportional representation based on population demographics, ensuring that no section of society is left behind.

"We are seeking rationalization of the reservation policy, proportional representation, and the implementation of a caste census to ensure justice, equality, and fairness," Khuehami stated. "When a community is granted reservations beyond its socio-economic disadvantages, the very principle of reservation is compromised."

He argued that continuing recruitment under the current policy could result in injustice for open-merit students. "When a community is granted reservations beyond its socio-economic disadvantages, the very principle of reservation is compromised," he added.

Khuehami also highlighted the adverse effects of the current reservation framework on merit and equality. He emphasized that while the JKSA is not against reservations or any community, a fair and balanced approach is required to address the policy's shortcomings.

On the Jammu and Kashmir government's stance, he asserted that if sub-judice matters cannot be deliberated upon outside courtrooms, why has the government constituted a cabinet sub-committee to review the new reservation policy? "This double standard needs to be addressed. Dodging questions on reservations under the pretext of a sub-judice matter is not acceptable," he stated. Regarding the Education Minister's remarks on the issue, Khuehami added, "The Education Minister must respect this principle and provide clarity on her contradictory approach. She sends a message that undermines public discourse on critical issues."

Mir Mujeeb, senior research scholar and student rights activist, also addressed the gathering. He stated that the movement is against excessive reservations and critically examined the reservation issue in Jammu and Kashmir. He pointed out the discriminatory nature of the policy, which allocates only 30% of opportunities to over 69% of Jammu and Kashmir's general population.

Mujeeb urged the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister to fulfill the poll promise of rationalizing the reservation system, ensuring that the majority of J&K's youth receive their due opportunities in ongoing recruitments and college admissions. "Letting this issue linger only harms the very interests of the elected government," he said, adding that the government should focus on consolidating support from the general population rather than worrying about criticisms from a small reserved elite. Invoking Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Mujeeb called for the restoration of the rule of merit, with reservation serving as an exception rather than the rule.

Sheikh Aashiq and Sanjay Sapru, addressing the protestors, said, "We are not against reservations, but we demand fairness and balance. Our goal is to create a system that supports those in need while ensuring that deserving candidates have opportunities."

They concluded by emphasizing that, "Our fight is not against reservations or any particular community. It is a fight for equality, fairness, and the rightful opportunities that the youth of Jammu and Kashmir deserve. We seek a balanced policy that supports those in need while ensuring that merit and deserving candidates are not overlooked."

The association said that the student fraternity will protest across Jammu and Kashmir, and there will be statewide protests if the J&K government fails to act and ensure fair reservation.