The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) organized a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Saturday. They were protesting against the current reservation policy in Jammu and Kashmir, which they believe is unfair.
Many students and members of the JKSA participated in the protest, along with political leaders and civil rights groups. Notable participants included Awami Ittehad Party leader Sheikh Aashiq, Kashmiri Pandit and AIPC President Sanjay Sapru, and student activist Mir Mujeeb.
Nasir Khuehami, the National Convenor of JKSA, led the protest. He expressed concerns that the current reservation policy is unjust and affects deserving candidates by not considering the unique needs of the region. While the association supports the idea of reservations, they want a system that is fair and reflects the demographics of Jammu and Kashmir.
Khuehami called for changes to ensure equal opportunities for all. He suggested a reservation system based on population demographics and a caste census to ensure justice and fairness. He argued that when reservations go beyond addressing socio-economic disadvantages, it undermines the purpose of the policy.
He also criticized the government for continuing recruitment under the current policy, which he believes harms merit-based opportunities. Khuehami questioned why the government set up a committee to review the policy if sub-judice matters can’t be discussed outside courtrooms. He urged the Education Minister to clarify her stance on the issue.
Mir Mujeeb, a senior research scholar, spoke about the negative impact of excessive reservations. He pointed out that only 30% of opportunities are given to over 69% of the general population in Jammu and Kashmir. Mujeeb called on the Chief Minister to fulfill promises to make the reservation system fairer.
Sheikh Aashiq and Sanjay Sapru emphasized that their fight is not against reservations or any community but for fairness and equality. They want a balanced policy that helps those in need while ensuring that deserving candidates get opportunities.
The JKSA warned that if the Jammu and Kashmir government does not act to ensure fair reservations, there will be protests across the state.