Protests Against Reservation Policy in Jammu and Kashmir
Several political leaders, including National Conference MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) legislator Waheed Parra, and Iltija Mufti, were detained by authorities in Srinagar on December 28, 2025. The arrests occurred prior to a planned protest led by students opposing the current reservation policies in Jammu and Kashmir.
The situation arose amid ongoing debates surrounding the reservation framework, which was originally established in 2004 and underwent amendments in 2024. These changes included a new 10% quota for the Pahari-speaking community categorized as Scheduled Tribes, along with more than 15 new groups being added to the reservation list.
Background of the Reservation Policy
The controversy surrounding the reservation policy has been a significant issue in Jammu and Kashmir, especially following the constitutional changes made in 2019. Activists and politicians have expressed concerns over the adequacy of the reservation system amidst evolving demographics and needs. A protest on December 23 outside Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s residence prompted discussions between the protesting leaders and the government regarding a review of the current framework.
Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, in past statements, emphasized the importance of addressing the grievances surrounding the reservations. He warned that failure to do so would lead him to join students in protests. The heavy-handed response by the authorities has raised questions about political freedoms in the region.
Details of the Detention
On the morning of the planned demonstration, Mehdi reported that police had informed him he was under house detention, effectively preventing his participation. He stated, “We also received reports late last night that students have been arrested and their families intimidated by police.” This has sparked concerns about the methods being used to suppress dissent in Jammu and Kashmir.
Police placed Waheed Parra under house arrest late Saturday, further limiting the scope for political dissent. Iltija Mufti, daughter of former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, voiced her frustrations stating, “The insecurity and paranoia of the security agencies knows no bounds.” She also mentioned the significant police presence aimed at restricting her movement, which she described as part of the “normalcy” in what is being referred to as ‘Naya Kashmir.’
Government’s Response
The National Conference’s president, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, defended the detentions, framing them as necessary for maintaining order. He accused the leaders behind the protest of attempting to disrupt peace and development in the region. “They want chaos, and we will not allow that,” Abdullah asserted, indicating his government’s zero-tolerance policy towards what they term as disorder.
In contrast, NC spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq mentioned the party’s commitment to reviewing the reservation quotas and confirmed that the cabinet sub-committee’s recommendations regarding reservations had been submitted to the Lieutenant Governor’s office and are pending review.
Public Reaction and Political Context
The backlash from the public, especially students, highlights the discontent with the current reservation policy and the perceived lack of responsiveness from the government. Mehdi’s call for clarification from the government regarding the pending approval of the reservation file emphasizes the urgency of the matter. He demanded that the government specify a date for when the approval would be processed, stating that if not resolved, he would take to the streets with students.
The political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir remains fragile, marked by calls for the restoration of statehood and a renewed discussion around its special status, which was revoked in 2019. The situation underscores the unresolved tensions between the elected representatives and the central government’s authority exercised through the Lieutenant Governor.
Looking Ahead
The ramifications of these detentions and the ongoing protests could have significant implications for the political climate in Jammu and Kashmir. Observers note that if the government does not address the raised concerns, the tensions between various groups could escalate further.
As political leaders demand a voice for their constituents and communities seek clarity on reservation policies, the government faces pressure to engage in open discussions and transparent processes. The recommendations from the cabinet sub-committee may need to be expedited to mitigate dissatisfaction among voters and students, who represent a significant demographic.
Conclusion
The detentions have amplified calls for greater political freedoms in Jammu and Kashmir. The government’s approach to these protests reflects a broader narrative concerning political engagement in the region and could affect upcoming political dynamics. With intense scrutiny on political movements and public expression, the situation remains fluid and requires careful navigation by both governmental and political entities.
The absence of responses from the J&K police and the LG’s office regarding the detentions raises further questions about governmental accountability in such actions. As events unfold, analysts will be closely watching how the situation affects the relationship between the government and its citizens as discussions regarding reservation policies and governance continue.