SRINAGAR: As the discourse surrounding the reservation policy in Jammu and Kashmir intensifies, stakeholders from the general category have come together under the leadership of Er Ehtisham Khan to demand fairness and justice. The ongoing struggle highlights a critical issue—the need to restore merit and equality while ensuring that reservations are allocated rationally and based on population proportions.
Er Khan, a leading social and student rights activist, has once again drawn attention to the plight of general category students and aspirants. Speaking about the issue, Khan said, “From the very beginning, this struggle has been about ensuring fairness and justice. It is not a fight against any particular community or group; it is a demand for inclusivity, rationality, and respect for merit.”
Khan, who was among the first to voice concerns against the unjust policy, has tirelessly worked to keep the issue alive, raising it with authorities at every level, including the Lieutenant Governor, the Hon’ble Chief Minister, and even the Union Home Minister. Despite facing criticism and resistance, his efforts have succeeded in amplifying the cause.
Khan emphasized that the time has come for the general category stakeholders to unite and strengthen the movement. “This is an issue much bigger than individual interests. While some may try to misuse it for personal or political gains, the fight remains for the larger interest of society,” he said. He urged students, aspirants, and general category citizens to set aside personal differences and focus on collective action.
“The current reservation policy requires immediate review. We are not against reservations, but they must be based on sound principles. Let’s conduct a population census, evaluate the data, and ensure that reservations are allocated proportionally and fairly to all deserving candidates,” Khan explained.
Khan also welcomed the intervention of certain political leaders who have shown genuine support for the cause. However, he expressed concerns over how the struggle is being misused by some individuals and groups to advance their personal or political agendas. “The issue is too important to be hijacked by miscreants. It must remain focused on justice, merit, and the greater good,” he said.
Reiterating his appeal to the Lieutenant Governor, Chief Minister and the Cabinet Sub-committee, Khan said, “The government must act now to address the concerns of the general category. We completely understand that significant changes cannot happen overnight, but the lack of any visible progress is disheartening.”