SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Wednesday announced that it will hold a peaceful sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on 14th December 2024 to demand the reversal of the new reservation policy.
In a statement, National Convenor Nasir Khuehami said the protest aims to highlight the injustices of the current reservation policy, which undermines the principles of equality and fairness for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.
“This is a call for collective action to ensure that the voices of Jammu and Kashmir are heard and valued in the national discourse. We seek a system that upholds justice and provides equal opportunities for all,” he added.
Khuehami further stated that the Delhi Police and Delhi Government have officially granted permission for the JKSA to hold the peaceful sit-in protest. Originally scheduled for 5th December 2024, the protest was rescheduled to 14th December due to unforeseen circumstances and delays in obtaining the necessary clearances.
“We stand united in seeking merit-based opportunities, where individual achievements are recognized, and candidates are assessed fairly based on their skills, merit, abilities, and dedication,” Khuehami emphasized. He urged students, aspirants, civil society members, and concerned citizens to join the protest in Delhi on 14th December to ensure that their collective voices are heard and addressed at the highest levels of governance.
“Our protest is a call for justice, fairness, and transparency. We demand that the unjust reservation policy be undone to ensure equal opportunities for all,” he said, adding that the youth of Jammu and Kashmir deserve to have their voices heard, just like the rest of India.
The Association emphasized that the sit-in protest is intended to draw Parliament's attention to the grievances of Jammu and Kashmir's youth, urging lawmakers to address these concerns. “Let our voices be heard and respected in Delhi, just like the rest of India. Our protest aims to bring this issue to Parliament and ensure that Jammu and Kashmir's youth are heard,” Khuehami stressed.
He invited students, aspirants, and activists, leaders across the party lines, to join the protest in solidarity, stating, “Our protest aims to bring this issue to the floor of Parliament and ensure that the voices of Jammu and Kashmir’s youth are heard in the corridors of power.”
Khuehami reaffirmed the JKSA’s commitment to non-violent, constructive dialogue and urged the government to review and rectify policies that marginalize Jammu and Kashmir's youth. He emphasized that reviewing the reservation policy is essential to upholding India's principles of addressing historical injustices while maintaining meritocracy.
He clarified, “We are not against reservations, but we demand fairness and balance. Our goal is to create a fair, balanced system that supports those in need and ensures deserving candidates have opportunities.” He also advocated for proportional representation based on population, proposing a more equitable distribution of opportunities that reflects Jammu and Kashmir's demographics.
