Srinagar: National Conference Lok Sabha MP Ruhullah Mehdi has once again raised pressure on the Jammu and Kashmir government over the long-pending reservation issue, warning that he will return to the streets if students are not clearly informed about the steps taken to address their concerns.
In a strong message issued on Thursday, the Srinagar MP said he would launch a protest on Sunday if the NC-led government failed to communicate its decisions and action plan to the affected students. Mehdi stressed that mere assurances were no longer enough and that transparency was essential to restore trust.
Reiterating his support, Mehdi said he remains fully committed to the student cause and has not distanced himself from the movement at any point. He urged the administration to directly engage with students and publicly explain what progress has been made on resolving the reservation dispute.
Announcing his plan of action, Mehdi said he would once again join students at the same protest site where demonstrations were held last year outside Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s residence in Gupkar. He added that the aim of the protest would be to ensure that student voices are heard and taken seriously.
The reservation issue has been simmering for months, with student groups demanding changes to the existing policy in the Union Territory. Mehdi had earlier warned that if the matter was not settled during the Winter Session of Parliament, he would personally join the protests. However, logistical challenges, including flight disruptions, prevented him from reaching Srinagar at that time.
Following the protests held last December, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had constituted a cabinet sub-committee to review the students’ objections and recommend solutions within six months. The panel later submitted its report, which the cabinet accepted in October. The report is now awaiting approval from the Lieutenant Governor, a delay that has fuelled fresh discontent among students.
