J&K students hold protest at Jantar Mantar over reservation policy
The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association on Saturday held a peaceful sit-in protest at the Jantar Mantar in New Delhi to voice their opposition to the current reservation policy in the Union Territory.
The protest also saw participation from political parties and civil society rights groups, including Awami Ittehad Party leader Sheikh Aashiq.
Association convenor Nasir Khuehami emphasised 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.”
“We are seeking rationalisation of the reservation policy, proportional representation and the implementation of a caste census to ensure justice, equality and fairness,” he said.
Addressing the protestors, Sheikh Aashiq 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.”
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.
Earlier this year, the UT administration under Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha introduced a 10 per cent reservation for the Pahari community, raising the total reserved seats for various categories to 60 per cent, leaving only 40 per cent of seats for general category candidates.
