WAJAHAT SHABIR
Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday said while his government has formed a sub-committee to review the reservation policy, it will abide by the court directions on the matter.
“I understand the emotions surrounding the reservation issue. JKNC had committed to examining all aspects of it in our 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 & is in the process of starting its work by engaging with all stakeholders,” Abdullah said in a post on X.
He said, in the meantime, the reservation policy has also been challenged in the High Court of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.
“We will, of course, be bound by any judgment when the final legal options have been exhausted,” he said.
The chief minister said peaceful protest is a democratic right of the people and he would not oppose it.
“It has come to my attention that a protest is being planned in Srinagar to highlight the sense of injustice surrounding the reservation policy. Peaceful protest is a democratic right & 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 & a fair decision arrived at after completing due process,” he added.
Member of Parliament Srinagar Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi Sunday said that he will hold a peaceful” and dignified protest outside the official residence of Chief Minister Jammu and Kashmir on Gupkar road to demand rationality in the reservation policy.
In a long post on X, Aga wrote Today marks the date I had committed to stand with those whose voices demand rationality in the reservation policy. In my response to a post on X (Twitter) by a concerned citizen, I urged everyone to wait until 22nd December to give the elected government time to address this issue. I also said that if the matter were not resolved by then, I would join you in protest outside the HCM’s residence or office.
22nd December ends tonight. 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.
I request all those voluntarily coming 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—the streets.
Aga ended the post by 2:00 PM | Gupkar Road | Outside the Chief Minister’s Residential Office.
On the other hand, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association extended its full support to Srinagar Lok Sabha Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi in his protest against the unjust reservation policy, scheduled to take place on Monday outside the residence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
In a statement issued today, Umar Jamal, National President of the Association, appreciated Aga Ruhullah for his principled stand and his decision to stand with the people by addressing their concerns in a peaceful and dignified manner. Jamal also appreciated his commitment to advocating for a rational and fair reservation policy.
“We firmly support the call for rationalizing the unjust reservation policy, which is crucial for ensuring social justice and equal opportunities for all. We stand united with everyone raising genuine concerns over this critical issue,” he stated.
