NC MP Ruhullah leads protests outside CM’s residence

Srinagar, Dec 23: National Conference (NC) leader and Member of Parliament (MP) from Srinagar Aga Ruhullah Mehdi on Monday spearheaded a peaceful protest outside the residence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in support of the growing demand for rationalising the reservation policy in Jammu and Kashmir.

The protest comes in the wake of the Centre’s decision to grant reservation to Pahari-speaking communities.

This move has reduced the open merit category to just 30 percent, with 70 percent of seats now reserved for various communities.

The protest, attended by students from various parts of Kashmir, called for the scrapping of the reservation system, claiming it disproportionately favours specific groups at the expense of open merit candidates.

The protesters raised slogans ‘we want justice’ as they decried the policy’s impact on employment and education opportunities.

The policy has drawn criticism from students, particularly those in medical and surgical training, who argue that it undermines meritocracy and promotes mediocrity.

The protest saw participation from opposition leaders including People’s Democratic Party’s Waheed Para and Iltija Mufti as well as Awami Ittehad Party leader Sheikh Khurshid.

The NC Member of Parliament had announced the protest on December 22, stating that he would give the government until then to address the issue.

“If the matter is not resolved by then, I will join you in protest outside the Chief Minister’s residence or office,” Ruhullah had said.

CM Omar had responded cautiously, acknowledging the emotions surrounding the reservation issue.

He had promised the government’s commitment to fairness, citing the formation of a cabinet sub-committee to engage with stakeholders.

“We are doing what any responsible government would do – making sure everyone is heard and a fair decision is reached after completing due process,” CM Omar had said.

He also reiterated that the government would abide by the High Court’s judgment.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also expressed solidarity with the protesters and called for the reservation policy to be revised to ensure justice and fairness.

The Mirwaiz also hinted at his willingness to personally participate in the protests, stating that his delegation would attend and that he would raise the issue at Jamia Masjid whenever the authorities permitted it.

Addressing protestors, Ruhullah said that there should be no discrimination in the reservation policy, and the policy should be ensured as per the Supreme Court ruling or as per the population proportion.

He said that he had already assured the students that their grievances were genuine and he would do every possible thing to ensure justice was delivered.

“I had promised the students that I would protest in their favour and today we are here to fight for them. We will raise voices in favour of students at every platform to get favourable results. I know the government has listened to you and formed a cabinet sub-committee. But, I am not satisfied with it, and I would only be satisfied if students are satisfied,” he said. “I don't want any chaos, and I am not here to divide my party. I will go to every door to seek justice. But, if anyone wants to create chaos in J&K, I will also hit the streets to oppose them.”

Speaking on the occasion, PDP’s Waheed Parra said: “We have come here to express solidarity with the students. All parties should join this just cause.”

Iltija Mufti also addressed the gathering and said that the protest was not politically motivated.

“We are here not to do politics. In J&K, the focus is on Article 370 and the restoration of statehood, but no one is talking about the youth. They have very basic demands like ensuring the reservation policy is equitable and not discriminatory,” she said.

Iltija expressed hope that the government, which came to power with a large mandate would fulfil its promises and rationalise the reservation system promptly.

CM Omar’s son also joined Ruhullah in the protest.

Later, a delegation of five students held threadbare discussions with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who sought six months to sort out the issue.