National Conference MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi led a massive protest outside the residence of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday, challenging the state’s new reservation policy. The protest, attended by leaders from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and hundreds of students and job aspirants, was aimed at reversing changes introduced under the J&K Reorganisation Act. Ruhullah Mehdi, who had earlier pledged support to students opposing the policy, called for rationalisation of the reservation system, which has increased quotas for Scheduled Tribes to 20% and expanded the OBC quota to 8%, leaving open merit opportunities below 40%.

PDP leaders Iltija Mufti and Waheed Para joined Mehdi in voicing concerns about the policy’s impact on fairness and inclusivity. Waheed Para emphasized that while affirmative action is necessary to bridge societal inequalities, it must not come at the cost of meritocracy. “Reservations must serve as tools to empower marginalized communities, not perpetuate imbalance,” he stated on social media. The protesters criticized the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha-led administration for implementing the policy during Central rule and demanded immediate corrective measures. Adding weight to the movement, Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expressed solidarity, pledging to raise the issue during Friday sermons at Jama Masjid once permitted.

In response to the mounting pressure, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met with representatives from the Open Merit Students Association and assured them that a cabinet sub-committee would review the reservation policy. He promised a detailed report within six months and reiterated his commitment to maintaining open communication. Protesters, however, remain skeptical about the timeline and outcomes, insisting that swift action is needed to ensure equitable access to educational and job opportunities in the Union Territory.