Senior All Parties Hurriyat Conference leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has extened his support for protests against the contentious Reservation Policy in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. According to Kashmir Media Service, the protests, led by the Open Merit Students Association (OMSA), have gained significant traction, drawing support from various political leaders. In a post on X, Mirwaiz emphasized the need for fairness and justice in addressing the Reservation Policy, asserting that it must safeguard the interests of all societal segments without undermining the general merit category.

He expressed solidarity with the protesters, stating, Mirwaiz also highlighted his intent to raise the issue during sermons at Srinagar’s historic Jamia Masjid, once authorities permit his participation in religious gatherings. The movement has garnered political support, with National Conference (NC) leader and Member of Parliament Agha Ruhullah joining the protest outside Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s residence in Gupkar.

People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Waheed Parra also backed the student-led demonstrations, calling for the revocation of the policy. The Reservation Policy, which undermines the rights of general category students, has become a flashpoint, intensifying debates over equity and representation in the territory.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)