Tanveer Hussain
Srinagar, Dec 23: Chairman, Peoples Democratic Front Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen has urged National Conference leaders, including Srinagar MP Agha Ruhullah Mehdi, to demonstrate genuine intent by protesting against the contentious reservation policy outside the Indian Parliament in Delhi rather than staging demonstrations on the streets of Srinagar.
He criticized the ongoing protests as “mere political drama” intended to mislead the public rather than effecting meaningful change. He suggested that protests on Srinagar streets are performative acts that do not address the root of the issue, which lies in the legislative framework passed by Parliament.
“Difference of opinion is integral to democracy, but protesting outside the Chief Minister’s residence after the formation of a cabinet sub-committee smacks of deceit,” Hakeem said, adding that it undermines the credibility of the ruling party’s representatives.
He challenged Agha Ruhullah Mehdi and other NC leaders to move their protests to Delhi, where the controversial bill was passed, instead of using political demonstrations in Srinagar as a tactic to gain public sympathy.
He added that the matter is sub judice and urged all political stakeholders to respect the judicial process. “Let us await the final verdict from the court before manipulating public emotions for political mileage,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the recently formed Cabinet Subcommittee would honor its mandate and work towards a balanced reservation policy that ensures fairness for Jammu and Kashmir’s youth, particularly in securing government jobs and seats in competitive professional courses like medicine and engineering. [KNT]
