Srinagar, Oct 17: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) youth leader Waheed Para on Thursday strongly criticized the Jammu and Kashmir Government’s decision to reduce the quota for people from Backward Areas (RBA), calling it a deliberate move to weaken Kashmiri representation.
In a post on social media platform X, Para described the cabinet sub-committee’s decision to slash the RBA quota under the pretext of “rationalization” as a calculated attempt to disempower the people of Kashmir. He said the quota had historically ensured fair representation and access to administrative and educational opportunities for residents of backward and remote regions.
“The J&K Government’s decision to slash the RBA quota under the guise of rationalization is a calculated attempt to disempower Kashmiris,” Para wrote, asserting that the move strikes at a vital safeguard for equitable representation.
Targeting National Conference leader and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Para alleged that by supporting the decision, Abdullah was “advancing the disempowerment agenda” instead of defending the cause of equity.
The RBA quota has long been an essential part of Jammu and Kashmir’s reservation policy, benefiting people from underdeveloped and remote areas. [KNT]
