Srinagar, Mar 17: People’s Democratic Front (PDF) President Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen on Monday strongly condemned the government for its “unfair and discriminatory” reservation policy.
In a statement issued here, he said this policy is depriving a significant section of the population of their rightful benefits and betraying the very principle of justice. “The government cannot continue to push certain communities to the margins while selectively benefiting others. This injustice must stop,” he said.
Yaseen demanded that the government must come clean on its reservation policy. While some sections are being given undue advantage, others, including Kashmiri Pandits, Dogras are being ignored, he said.
“We are not against reservations, but we are against injustice. Every community deserves fair and equal treatment. Why is the government hesitant to ensure an equitable distribution of benefits?” he questioned.
The former minister questioned why the reservation policy in Jammu and Kashmir does not align with states like Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, where a more balanced approach is followed. “If these states can ensure fairness in their reservation policies, why is Jammu and Kashmir an exception? The disparities here are unacceptable and must be rectified without further delay,” he demanded.
He further criticised the government, stating that the issue is not just an administrative oversight—it is a deliberate strategy to sideline certain communities. “This is not just an error; this is an orchestrated plan to deprive some communities of their due rights. If the government is truly committed to justice, it must take corrective action immediately,” he added.
Reacting to the recent move by the government, the PDF Chief said that in response to the growing outrage, the government has hastily constituted a Cabinet Sub-Committee to examine the issue. However, he dismissed this as “nothing more than eyewash”.
“Setting up a committee without a clear mandate or immediate action plan is just another delaying tactic. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are fed up with committees and reports that lead nowhere. We need action, not bureaucracy,” he said.
The government must act swiftly and fairly to rectify these “injustices”, he said, adding that the people will not remain silent if this biased approach continues.
“If the government fails to address this issue, resentment will grow, and the administration will be held accountable for the consequences,” he cautioned.
The PDF leader added, “We will continue to raise our voices until justice is delivered. The government must decide whether it wants to unite the people or deepen the divisions it has created.”