Tensions escalated in Kashmir on Sunday as police placed prominent political leaders under house detention ahead of a planned student protest demanding rationalisation of the reservation policy in Jammu and Kashmir. The move came as open merit students announced a sit-in at Srinagar’s Polo View, accusing the government of failing to address their long-standing concerns.
National Conference (NC) Member of Parliament Aga Ruhullah Mehdi and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) MLA Waheed Para were among those confined to their residences, triggering sharp political reactions and raising questions about the handling of peaceful dissent in the region.
House Detentions Ahead of Student Protest
According to statements issued by the leaders and their parties, a heavy contingent of Jammu and Kashmir Police and paramilitary forces was deployed outside their homes to prevent them from joining the sit-in. Former Srinagar mayor Junaid Mattu was also placed under house detention.
The protest was planned by open merit students, who have been demanding a review of the existing reservation framework for over a year. The students allege that despite repeated assurances, no concrete action has been taken to address their grievances.
Leaders Question Police Action
Ruhullah Mehdi’s office posted images on social media showing police vehicles stationed outside his residence. In a statement, his team questioned whether the move was a pre-emptive attempt to suppress a peaceful, pro-student demonstration.
The NC MP said the authorities owed the public a clear explanation for the deployment and maintained that the protest plans remained unchanged despite the restrictions.
PDP Slams ‘Weaponisation’ of Protest
PDP MLA Waheed Para, who has consistently spoken in support of open merit students, was placed under house arrest late at night, according to his party. The PDP termed the action unjustified and accused the administration of weaponising a peaceful demand for students’ rights.
Para has repeatedly described the reservation issue as an “existential concern” for Kashmir’s younger generation, warning that prolonged inaction could deepen frustration among students.
Why Students Are Protesting
Open merit students form a significant portion of Jammu and Kashmir’s population. Under the current policy, less than 40 per cent of seats are available for open merit candidates, while more than 60 per cent are reserved across various categories.
Students argue that the policy disproportionately affects merit-based admissions and employment opportunities, calling for a more balanced and transparent reservation structure.
Political Promises and Cabinet Panel
Both the National Conference and the PDP had promised rationalisation of reservations in their election manifestos. Following sustained pressure from students and political leaders, the NC-led government constituted a cabinet sub-committee to examine the issue.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has stated that the cabinet approved the panel’s recommendations and forwarded the file to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for further action.
What the Cabinet Recommended
According to reports, the sub-committee proposed an equal 50:50 distribution between open merit and reserved categories. While most reservation quotas were retained, the panel recommended reducing seats under the Residents of Backward Areas (RBA) and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) to increase open merit representation.
However, the report has not been made public, a move that student groups and opposition leaders say undermines transparency.
Calls for Dialogue and Transparency
Ruhullah Mehdi recalled that he had joined students in a sit-in last year to remind the government of its commitments. He reiterated that if dialogue does not take place, he would continue standing with students to ensure their voices are heard.
Para also urged the government to place the reservation report in the public domain, stressing that accountability cannot be avoided by shifting responsibility between institutions.
Detentions of Youth Leaders
Police have also detained several youth leaders involved in mobilising the protest. The administration has not issued an official statement explaining the detentions.
