Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday said he understands the emotions surrounding the reservation policy adding the issue has been challenged in the courts of J&K and Ladakh.
Reacting to the proposed sit-in dharna being held by the National Conference MP Ruhulla Mehdi outside the residence of the Chief Minister on Monday, Omar said on X “I understand the emotions surrounding the reservation issue”.
JKNC had committed to examining all aspects of it in our manifesto released before the assembly elections.
“It is as a continuation of this commitment that a cabinet sub-committee was constituted to move towards fulfilling this promise”, Omar said .
He said that the sub-committee was only recently notified & is in the process of starting its work by engaging with all stakeholders. In the meantime, the reservation policy has also been challenged in the High Court of JK&L.
“We will, of course, be bound by any judgement when the final legal options have been exhausted”, he added.
It has come to my attention that a protest is being planned in Srinagar to highlight the sense of injustice surrounding the reservation policy, the Chief Minister said.
“Peaceful protest is a democratic right & I would be the last person to deny anyone that right but please protest knowing that the issue has not been ignored or swept under the carpet”, he remarked.
“Your government is doing what any responsible government would do – making sure everyone is heard & a fair decision arrived at after completing the due process”, he added.
UNI
