Srinagar, Dec 28: PDP MLA Waheed Para accused the Omar Abdullah-led government in Jammu and Kashmir of showing “zero intent” to resolve the reservation issue, calling the existing quota policy an existential concern for the future of the youth.
In a post on X, Para said the reservation policy strikes at the very foundation of younger generations and lamented the lack of progress despite sustained protests. He recalled that more than a year has passed since he, along with students, staged a protest outside Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s residence.
“Unfortunately, during this entire period, there has been absolutely zero intent on the part of the government towards resolving this issue, which has only compounded the uncertainty and anxiety shadowing our youth,” the Pulwama MLA said.
His remarks come as general category students are preparing to renew their peaceful sit-in against the delay in rationalising the reservation policy, a year after the Chief Minister constituted a committee to examine the issue.
Para said the proposed sit-in is meant to remind the government of its responsibility to act transparently and overhaul what he described as a “draconian” reservation policy. He demanded that the report of the Cabinet sub-committee be placed in the public domain.
“At the very least, the reservation report must be made public,” he said, adding that there was no justification for withholding the report even if its recommendations were awaiting approval from the Lieutenant Governor.
He further stated that even if the elected government maintains that the matter currently rests with the Lieutenant Governor, public scrutiny of the report cannot be denied. “The responsibility, wherever it may lie, must be acknowledged, and institutions, including the office of the CM and the L-G, cannot be insulated from public accountability,” Para said.
Describing the reservation issue as exceptionally sensitive, Para said he unequivocally supports the demand for fairness and its timely resolution. (Agencies)
