Hakeem Mohammed Yaseen slams reservation policy, calls for open merit and peaceful resolution

• Urges Dialogue with LG, CM;
• Condemns attacks on Kashmiris traders in various parts of  Country

SRINAGAR: Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) president and former Minister Hakeem Mohammed Yaseen has strongly criticised the existing reservation policy in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that it has severely affected the future of meritorious students and job aspirants. He said his sympathy has always been with the youth of the region and safeguarding their future remains his highest priority. Yaseen stressed that open merit must be restored to ensure fairness, equality and justice in education and employment.

The PDF leader said he has consistently raised the reservation issue on different platforms and described it as a serious social concern that requires immediate resolution. “If this issue is not addressed urgently, it will irreversibly damage the future of our educated youth. Merit should not be sacrificed, as it forms the backbone of a progressive society,” he said.

Yaseen maintained that political leaders have every democratic and moral right to speak for students and aspirants but cautioned against street protests. He recalled that Jammu and Kashmir has suffered immensely due to prolonged agitations in the past, which resulted in loss of precious lives, economic devastation and social unrest.

 “We must learn lessons from history. Protests have brought pain, not solutions. Peaceful dialogue is the only way forward,” he said. He emphasised that the need of the hour is to engage constructively with the authorities and called for immediate meetings with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

“Collective representation and meaningful dialogue can resolve this issue. Speaking with one voice will help secure the future of our youth,” he added. Yaseen also cautioned that some elements are trying to score political mileage out of the reservation issue, terming it morally wrong. “This is not a political issue but a societal one, and it must be addressed responsibly,” he said.

Hakeem Mohammed Yaseen also strongly condemned the recent spate of attacks, harassment and intimidation of Kashmiri traders, students and workers in various parts of the country. He said such incidents have created fear and insecurity among Kashmiris who travel outside the region to earn an honest livelihood or pursue education.

“If Kashmir is considered the crown of India, why are Kashmiri Muslims repeatedly targeted and forced to prove their nationalism?” he questioned. He said Kashmiri traders have contributed significantly to local economies across India and have always upheld the law.  “Nationalism cannot be enforced through violence or suspicion. Patriotism grows through trust, inclusion and respect,” Yaseen asserted. 

He urged the government to ensure the safety, dignity and constitutional rights of Kashmiris and to take strict action against those involved in such attacks, calling upon civil society and the media to act responsibly and protect the country’s social fabric.