Srinagar: Member of Parliament Aga Ruhullah announced on Sunday that he will lead a “peaceful” and “dignified” protest outside the Chief Minister’s residence in Srinagar on Monday, demanding a rationalisation of the reservation policy in Jammu and Kashmir.
Ruhullah, who had earlier committed to protest if the issue remained unresolved, said the deadline had passed, and he would join the people in their fight for a fair reservation policy.
The protest comes in response to the controversial reservation policy introduced by the Lieutenant Governor-led administration, which raised the reservation for reserved categories to 60% and reduced the general category share to 40%.
In a post on X, Ruhullah stated, “Today marks the date I had committed to stand with those whose voices demand rationality in the reservation policy. If the matter was not resolved by then, I would join you in protest outside the HCM’s residence or office.” He further added that he will remain committed to his stance and will participate in the protest at 2 pm on Monday. Ruhullah urged those joining the protest to maintain civility and focus on raising legitimate demands for a fair and rational policy.
Political and religious = leaders across the region have voiced support for the protest. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the religious leader of Kashmir, also voiced his intention to join the protest if allowed by authorities. In a post on X, he called for a just and fair approach to the reservation issue, highlighting how the current policy undermines the interests of the general/open merit category. He expressed his intention to raise the issue in Jama Masjid whenever possible, and supported the ongoing sit-in protest organised by the Open Merit Students Association (OMSA).
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) legislator Waheed Para expressed his support for Ruhullah’s decision, calling it a pivotal moment to address grievances and ensure fairness in the reservation policy.
Para said that merit should still be the foundation of the system. He stated that the current policy disproportionately reduces the majority to a minority, which is unjust and unsustainable. He urged for a proportional representation system to ensure that no community is favored or left behind.
The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) reiterated its support for rationalising the policy to ensure equal opportunities for all, stressing the need for social justice and equity. The association directed its representatives to actively participate in the protest.
Additionally, the Awami Itehad Party (AIP), led by incarcerated leader Er Rasheed, also expressed its support for the protest. AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi confirmed the party’s participation, citing the longstanding commitment of Er Rasheed to support genuine public causes. He reiterated the party’s stance on addressing the grievances of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly concerning the reservation policy.
