Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the reservation policy, reaffirming his government’s commitment to thoroughly examining all aspects of the issue.
Talking to the microblogging site X, Omar as per the news agency JKNS highlighted that the reservation issue was part of his party, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), manifesto ahead of the recent assembly elections.
He says that, to address the concerns, a cabinet sub-committee has been formed, and the process of engaging with stakeholders is underway. The sub-committee, which was recently notified, is set to begin its work to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the matter.
“I understand the emotions surrounding the reservation issue. JKNC had committed to examining all aspects of it in our manifesto released before the assembly elections. It is as a continuation of this commitment that a cabinet sub-committee was constituted to move towards fulfilling this promise. That sub-committee was only recently notified and is in the process of starting its work by engaging with all stakeholders. In the meantime, the reservation policy has also been challenged in the Hon’ble High Court of JK&L. We will, of course, be bound by any judgment when the final legal options have been exhausted,” CM’s Tweet on X reads.
It reads as, “It has come to my attention that a protest is being planned in Srinagar to highlight the sense of injustice surrounding the reservation policy. A peaceful protest is a democratic right, and I would be the last person to deny anyone that right, but please protest knowing that the issue has not been ignored or swept under the carpet. Your government is doing what any responsible government would do – making sure everyone is heard and a fair decision is arrived at after completing due process.”
Lastly, Member of Parliament Aga Ruhullah said that he will hold a peaceful and dignified protest outside the chief minister’s official residence on Gupkar Road to demand rationality in the reservation policy.—(JKNS)
