Jammu, Feb 12: Two BJP legislators on Thursday staged a walkout from the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly in protest over the extension of reservation benefits under the Pahari quota to eligible community members, including Pakistani refugees residing in the plains.
Narinder Singh Raina and Arvind Gupta walked out, expressing dissatisfaction with the government’s response on extending Pahari quota benefits to community members in Jammu and other plain areas.
Social Welfare Minister Sakeena Itoo clarified that the Scheduled Tribe-II (ST-II) benefits, covering Pahari-speaking people among others, are based on ethnic identity, not regional considerations. “ST-I reservation for Gujjars and Bakerwals is implemented uniformly across the Union Territory. ST-II benefits are ethnicity-based, not area-specific,” she said, adding that the policy aligns with constitutional principles of equality, fairness, and non-discrimination.
The issue sparked a heated exchange between the BJP legislators and National Conference MLA Aijaz Jan, who opposed extending benefits to Pahari families outside hilly belts.
Speaking to reporters, Raina argued that if ST-I members receive reservation benefits irrespective of residence, the same principle should apply to Pahari-speaking people, saying geographical location should not determine eligibility. (Agencies)
