PDP leader Iltija Mufti protests J&K reservation policy as 'apartheid'

People's Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti spearheaded a protest in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday against what she characterized as an 'apartheid reservation' policy, intensifying calls for transparency in the region's recruitment mechanisms. The demonstration reflected growing discontent among segments of the population who argue that the current reservation framework disproportionately limits opportunities for candidates competing on open merit.

Mufti demanded the immediate public release of a Cabinet sub-committee report examining the reservation system, alleging that the government has withheld findings that would expose the extent to which open-merit aspirants have been disadvantaged. She contended that the policy has progressively narrowed the share of opportunities available to candidates not covered by existing reservation categories.

The protest underscores ongoing tensions in Jammu and Kashmir regarding employment and educational access policies. The PDP, a significant regional political force, has positioned itself as an advocate for what it views as merit-based selection processes, challenging the existing reservation architecture established by the administration.

Government officials have not immediately responded to the demands for releasing the sub-committee report. The controversy highlights the delicate balance between affirmative action policies and concerns about equitable access, a debate that remains contentious across Indian states and union territories.