 Early Times Report
Jammu, Dec 23: Amid ongoing protests over the demand for rationalizing reservation rules in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah took a significant step to engage with aggrieved students. As demonstrations intensified outside his official residence, involving both students and political leaders, the Chief Minister invited a delegation of five students for a meeting to initiate dialogue on the contentious issue.
During the discussion, Abdullah assured the students that the government was committed to addressing their concerns and sought six months to work on a comprehensive solution. He emphasized the importance of open communication and pledged to keep the dialogue ongoing.
“Today, I met with representatives of the Open Merit Students Association. The beauty of democracy lies in the right to be heard and the ability to engage in dialogue with mutual cooperation. I have made certain requests to them and provided several assurances,” Abdullah shared in a social media post, accompanied by pictures of the meeting.
The Chief Minister also highlighted his commitment to direct communication, stating, “This channel of communication will remain open without any intermediaries or hangers-on.”
The protests, which have garnered support from both mainstream and separatist political groups, have become a focal point of political debate in the region. Abdullah’s initiative to directly engage with the students marks a step toward defusing the tension while working toward a solution to the reservation policy dispute.
The demand for rationalization of the existing reservation rules has sparked a major political controversy in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, garnering support from both separatist and mainstream political groups for the agitating students.
While the National Conference Lok Sabha member from Srinagar, Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, staged a protest outside the official residence of his own Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Hurriyat Conference leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expressed his willingness to join the demonstrations, contingent on receiving permission from the authorities to participate.
This rare alignment of separatist and mainstream voices highlights the contentious nature of the reservation policy debate in the region.
“The issue of reservations should be addressed with justice and fairness by those in charge, safeguarding the interests of all segments of society, not at the expense of any one group. The current status of reservations does that, by undermining the interests of the general/open merit category. Fervent appeals to address their concerns immediately! Support Open Merit Students Association @OMSA_JK sit-in protest. Would be part of it if authorities allowed it. My delegation will be there to support them. Will also raise the issue in Jama Masjid whenever permitted to go”, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq posted on his social media handle. |
