Reservation issue rekindles regionalism debate in J-K assembly
Srinagar, Oct 30: The issue of Jammu and Kashmir’s reservation policy triggered heated exchanges in the Assembly on Thursday, with one member demanding “rights as envisaged in the Constitution,” and another calling for “justice in line with actual representation and population.”
Legislator Sajad Lone alleged that the government was “stonewalling questions” and withholding relevant information sought from it. He said he had earlier sought details about the Cabinet Subcommittee Report and figures from merit and selection lists—first from the Department of Social Welfare and, later, in the current session, from the General Administration Department.
Lone expressed displeasure that his question had been clubbed with that of another legislator, defeating the purpose of seeking direct answers from the government.
Referring to the achievements of professionals from Jammu and Kashmir, he said, “There are doctors and engineers from J&K serving in SKIMS Soura, in other hospitals, and even abroad. Sir, you are the senior-most person here. You very well know that if reservation had been applied in this way earlier, would these people have been able to make a name for themselves and for our place?”
He urged the government to clarify the status of the Cabinet Subcommittee Report on Reservation, adding, “I had also asked whether data supports what is being claimed—by looking at merit lists and actual selection lists.”
His remarks about “accomplished doctors” from non-reserved categories drew a sharp rebuttal from Nazir Ahmad Gurezi, legislator from Gurez. “I had asked a question about the education system in Gurez, and do you know what the answer is?” he said, pointing out that not a single science teacher was available in the higher secondary schools of his constituency.
“Despite these hardships and constraints, our people work hard to get selected as doctors, administrators, and professionals who serve in the hospitals you mentioned—and elsewhere,” Gurezi said.
Gurezi’s assertive remarks drew applause from several legislators, while others voiced strong reactions across the benches.
The House was adjourned shortly after amid the uproar.
