The political climate in Jammu and Kashmir is heating up as widespread protests erupt over the region's controversial reservation policy, implemented following the abrogation of Article 370. The protests have drawn significant participation from students, political leaders, and even members from the ruling party, raising questions about the fairness of the current system, which has been said to disproportionately favor certain categories at the expense of others.
One of the most vocal critics of the policy is National Conference (NC) leader and MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, who recently organized a peaceful protest at the residence of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The demonstration sparked not just interest but also controversy, as it marked the first significant dissent from within the ranks of the ruling party itself. “This policy has left only 30% available for open merit, raising serious concerns about meritocracy in job placements and educational admissions,” Mehdi stated during the protest.
Leading up to the protest, Mehdi had committed to gathering support from students and community members who feel marginalized under the current reservation arrangement. He boldly declared, “If the matter was not resolved by December 22, I would join you in protest outside the Chief Minister’s residence.” True to his word, Mehdi gathered with students and leaders from various opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Awami Ittehad Party, calling for the government to address rising concerns about the reservation policy.
The new reservation rules, introduced by the lieutenant governor-led administration, allocate over 60% of jobs and education opportunities to reserved categories, leaving scant room for open merit candidates. The policy has been criticized for “fostering mediocrity where meritocracy should prevail,” as expressed by various community leaders who support changes to the current system. Critics argue this has effectively changed the balance of opportunities, skewing it significantly against the general category.
Mehdi’s protest coincided with similar calls throughout the region, amplifying voices from students who held placards with phrases like “Save Merit” and “Merit Builds Strong Foundation.” Their chants of “We want justice!” underscored the frustration felt by many who believe the system ought to support fairness and equality across all candidate categories. The Chief Minister, who also attended to the protesting students, emphasized the need for due process, asserting, “Peaceful protest is a democratic right, and I would be the last person to deny anyone their right to voice concerns.”
Omar Abdullah expressed his recognition of the emotions surrounding the issue, stating, “This is why we’ve formed a Cabinet sub-committee to review the reservation policy.” He noted his administration’s commitment as stated during the Assembly elections to engage with stakeholders and explore all aspects of the policy. Nevertheless, on the ground, many protesters remained skeptical, with cries for immediate action drowning out promises of future reviews.
Among the notable attendees at the protest was Iltija Mufti, whose remarks brought to light the stark reality for youth facing limited opportunities. She articulated, “They have very basic demands—like the reservation must be equitable and not discriminatory.” The contention reflects broader dissatisfaction not only within political circles but also among everyday citizens affected by the reservations.
Critics contend the policy amendments made earlier this year have unbalanced the system of opportunity for the state’s majority population. The powerful sentiments surrounding the issue have galvanized community leaders, students, and opposition parties alike. Waheed Para, also from the PDP, emphasized these points, stating, “The reservation should be based on demographic makeup. If 80% of the population is of the open merit category, then the presence of equitable opportunities should reflect this.”
The protests came on the heels of expectations for polity changes triggered by the political shifts within the local government. Amidst this cold December, marked by severe winter conditions, public debates have intensified about the fairness and inclusivity of the reservation policy, with specific attention to its socio-economic impacts on candidates from the open merit category.
Opponents of the current reservation strategy argue it stands contrary to the commitment held by the Supreme Court’s 1992 ruling, which asserted reservations should not exceed 50% for them to remain justifiable. The overwhelming dissent could potentially complicate the existing bureaucratic mechanisms due to the deeply polarized perspectives on this issue.
Given the acute sensitivity surrounding the reservation policy and its potential ramifications for the governing party, the dynamics are expected to evolve swiftly as protests continue and public demands resurface. Mehdi’s protest has illuminated internal party disagreements and sparked broader conversations about equity and representation.
While the Chief Minister has vowed to uphold the integrity of the democratic process, observers are yet to see if the administration will implement substantial changes.[7] The growing calls for reform highlight the necessity for immediate dialogue within the government to reconcile the diverse voices arising from this contentious topic.
