‘Mockery in the name of merit’
SRINAGAR: Prominent social and student rights activist Er. Ehtisham Khan has strongly condemned the J&K government for its repeated failure to act on its promise of rationalising the reservation policy. With around seven months since the formation of the Cabinet Sub-Committee (CSC) and nearly a month since its supposed report submission, the report is yet to reach the Law Department, according to fresh media reports—exposing what Khan calls a “carefully staged betrayal.”
“Before elections, they promised justice. After elections, they formed a sub-committee to buy time. Today, even that committee’s report hasn’t reached where it’s supposed to. This is not governance—it’s mockery,” Khan said in a statement issued here.
Khan expressed deep frustration at the government’s deliberate delay, silence, and shifting narratives. From minutes of meetings to vague statements about routing and vetting, he said the government has done everything except what was promised.
“This is no longer about inefficiency. It’s deception by design. They’re playing with the future of thousands of deserving candidates and expect us to stay silent?”
Highlighting the lack of transparency and public consultation, Khan questioned why the report remains hidden from the very people it impacts.
“What is the government hiding? If they were serious about reform, the report would be out. The delay proves that they are more afraid of political arithmetic than committed to public justice.”
He also took a clear stand against those trying to exploit the issue from within. “Some self-styled leaders have diluted the movement for their own gain. But let me be clear—this fight isn’t about one group, one organisation, or one individual. This is about merit. And the people are watching.”
Reaffirming his commitment, Khan said this movement will not bow down to political arrogance or betrayal.
“We will not allow this issue to die in files, committees, or corridors of power. We will keep raising our voice, because merit matters. Promises were made—and we will not let them walk away from it.”
Khan also appreciated those political leaders who have continued to support the cause, including Mr. Ghulam Hassan Mir, Mr. Sajad Lone, and Mr. Altaf Bukhari, among others, stating that:
“The people are taking note of who stood for justice—and who stood silent.”