Political Rivals Unite in Fight for Fair Reservation Policies in Jammu Kashmir
Last Updated on : 23 Dec,2024 | Source :
Universal News Timeline
Srinagar: In an unexpected display of solidarity, political rivals Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) and Waheed ur Rehman Parra of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have come together to champion a shared cause: fairness and meritocracy in Jammu and Kashmir’s reservation policies. Aga, a vocal advocate for merit-based systems, is set to lead a protest today against the current reservation framework, which he argues undermines equity and merit.
The protest, which has garnered significant attention, comes amidst an ongoing judicial review by the High Court and the formation of a government subcommittee to address the matter. Despite their political differences, Parra, who faced Aga in a cordial Lok Sabha election contest earlier this year, publicly backed the JKNC leader in a statement that has resonated across party lines.
On Twitter, Parra lauded Aga’s stance, declaring, “Wholeheartedly welcome Aga Syed Ruhullah’s decision to stand with the youth in demanding rationality and fairness in reservation policies.” He emphasised the need for proportional representation to address socio-economic disparities without perpetuating divisive policies.
Parra’s statement further underscored the importance of a balanced approach that preserves affirmative action while ensuring merit remains central. “Merit must remain the bedrock of our systems. Reservations must serve as targeted exceptions to bridge inequalities, not as tools for perpetual imbalance,” he wrote, calling for policies that empower all segments of society without creating new divisions.
The protest has struck a chord with many in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the youth, who have long sought a fair framework that acknowledges their aspirations without political interference.
Agha, it may be recalled here, is supposed to have a peaceful protest outside Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s residence in Srinagar. Within hours after Agha made his plan public, the Chief Minister tweeted that he was committed to settling the issue and had already constituted a cabinet sub-committee. However, the government will wait for the outcome of the judicial intervention.
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