SRINAGAR: Political rivals in Kashmir have come together to protest against what they see as an unfair reservation policy. The demonstration, held on Srinagar’s iconic Gupkar Road, has brought together voices from across the political spectrum, marking a rare moment of consensus in the region’s often fractious political landscape.
The protest was initiated by Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, a Member of Parliament from the ruling Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), who took the bold step of opposing his own party’s government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Ruhullah, a staunch advocate for merit-based policies, has criticised the existing reservation system for disproportionately benefiting certain groups at the expense of others, undermining the principles of fairness and meritocracy.
Surprisingly, the protest gained support from Waheed ur Rehman Parra, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) legislative party head. Parra took to X (formerly Twitter) to express solidarity with Ruhullah, commending his stand and calling it a pivotal moment to address pressing grievances. Parra emphasised the need for proportional representation to address socioeconomic disparities while ensuring inclusivity and fairness. Those attending the protest included Agha Ruhullah, PDP’s Waheed Parra, Iltija Mufti, Junaid Mattu and Engineer Rasheed-led Awami Insaaf Party.
This unusual alliance did not stop there. The influential cleric and Hurriyat Conference leader, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, also lent his support to the cause. Known for his focus on religious, political, and human rights issues, Mirwaiz has called for a thorough overhaul of the reservation policy, which he argues undermines the interests of the general merit category. Through his posts on X, Mirwaiz expressed his intent to join the protests if permitted and pledged to raise the issue during his sermons at Srinagar’s Jama Masjid.
The protests have coincided with a judicial review of the reservation policy by the High Court and the formation of a government subcommittee to address the matter. Despite these efforts, discontent continues to grow, with leaders and citizens alike demanding greater transparency and equity in the system.
