IIOJK students launch protest campaign against discriminatory reservation policy
Srinagar: Students in illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir have launched a door-to-door poster campaign protesting the recent changes in the reservation policy by the Indian Parliament.
According to Kashmir Media Service, posters calling for justice and equality have been widely circulated on social media and displayed in public spaces. Posters urge a rational and equitable revision of the reservation system, highlighting the disparity in education and job opportunities for open merit students.
Dr. Saquib Jan, a key supporter of the movement, emphasized the significance of the movement, stating, “Over 70% of the population, politically marginalized, demands justice and equality.” The movement gained momentum after the IIOJK administration approved a 10% reservation for newly-recognized tribes, including Paharis, and increased OBC reservations to 8%.
While aimed at empowering disadvantaged communities, the changes have sparked frustration among open merit students, who feel their opportunities have been unfairly reduced.
Supporters stated that the new policy undermines merit and threatens future prospects. One participant stated, “We are not against reservation, but we demand fairness.” The campaign continues to grow, calling for a balance between reservation and merit.
