Srinagar, Dec 28: PDP MLA Waheed Para on Saturday accused the Omar Abdullah-led government in Jammu and Kashmir of showing “zero intent” to resolve the long-standing reservation issue, describing the existing quota policy as an “existential matter” affecting the future of the younger generation.
“The reservation policy has become an existential issue that strikes at the very foundation of the future of our younger generations. It has been over a year since we, along with students, assembled outside the CM @OmarAbdullah’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,” Para said in a post on X.
His remarks come ahead of plans by general category students to renew a peaceful sit in, demanding rationalisation of the quota policy a year after a committee was formed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to address the issue.
“This sit-in is a reminder to the government of its obligation to act with transparency and revamp the existing draconian reservation policy. At the very least, the reservation report must be placed in the public domain,” the Pulwama MLA said.
Para also emphasised that withholding the report of the Cabinet sub-committee, even if pending the lieutenant governor’s approval, cannot be justified. “Further, if the elected government maintains that the matter presently rests with the lieutenant governor, there can still be no justification for withholding the report from public scrutiny. 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,” he added.
Highlighting the sensitivity of the matter, Para said, “We unequivocally endorse the demand for fairness and its timely redressal,” underscoring the need for prompt action on the reservation issue.