SRINAGAR: The recent peaceful sit-in protest outside the chief minister’s residence here organized to demand justice and rationality in the reservation policy of Jammu and Kashmir saw overwhelming participation from students, political leaders across party lines, activists, and religious figures.
“Despite this massive show of unity and determination, the response from the Chief Minister has left everyone disillusioned,” noted social activist Er Ehtisham Khan said in a statement.
He said a delegation of five students, whose selection criteria remain unclear, was allowed to meet the Chief Minister. “However, the meeting yielded no tangible solutions or commitments addressing the core issues. Instead, the Chief Minister suggested waiting for another six months—a delay that is both unacceptable and unjustified,” he said.
Khan said the reservation review subcommittee, formed over a month ago, continues to operate with glaring flaws. “The absence of representatives from the open merit category within this committee raises serious concerns about its fairness. How can a subcommittee be expected to deliver justice when it excludes the voices of the most affected stakeholders?” he asked.
While the government seeks additional time, it fails to implement even a temporary adherence to the Supreme Court-mandated 50% cap on reservations. This would have provided interim relief to thousands while the review process continues, the activist added.
Er Ehtisham added, “The Chief Minister’s conduct during the protest has added insult to injury. Hundreds of students waited patiently outside his residence, hoping for a moment of his attention and assurance. Instead, the Chief Minister chose to drive past them without stopping, displaying an appalling lack of empathy and leadership. As a leader, it was his duty to address the concerns of the youth, who are the future of this state. His refusal to engage even briefly is a stark reminder of the growing disconnect between the government and its people.”
The government’s stance is riddled with hypocrisy, Khan said, adding, “While it excuses inaction on the reservation policy by citing its sub-judice status, it continues to campaign on similarly sub-judice issues like Article 370, 35A, and statehood restoration. This inconsistency exposes the lack of sincerity in their promises.”
He said despite the promise of a review, the government continues to issue recruitment advertisements based on the same flawed reservation policy. This contradiction undermines any trust the people may have had in their intentions, he added.
Khan extended heartfelt gratitude to all those who participated in the protest—students, activists, politicians, and community leaders, saying their presence reinforced the collective resolve for justice.
“I urge the Lieutenant Governor, the Union Home Minister and political leaders across party lines to intervene immediately. The government must take this matter seriously, involve genuine stakeholders, and ensure that the review process is impartial and transparent,” he said.