Students Protest BJP-Imposed Reservation Policy in Kashmir

Students, along with National Conference MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, are participating in a protest outside the residence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah against the controversial reservation policy implemented by the BJP government in Jammu and Kashmir. The Centre's decision to grant reservation to Pahari-speaking people is reducing the open merit category to just 30%, with 70% of seats now reserved for various communities. Students, particularly those undergoing training in medicine and surgery, are voicing their concerns, arguing that the policy is undermining meritocracy and promoting mediocrity in vital fields like healthcare. The protest is calling for a rollback of the policy and a return to merit-based admissions in the region. (Footage by Adil Abass/NurPhoto via Getty Images)