Are Ex-CM Mehbooba Mufti and Others Under House Arrest Before Reservation Protest?
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Synopsis
The political climate in Jammu and Kashmir heats up as former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and other officials claim they are under house arrest ahead of a major protest over job reservation policies. This situation raises questions about government transparency and accountability as they seek to address the concerns of the youth.
Key Takeaways
- Mehbooba Mufti and other leaders claim house arrest prior to protests.
- The student protests are centered on job reservations in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Concerns about government transparency and accountability are rising.
- The proposed changes to reservation policies have sparked significant debate.
- Public scrutiny of governmental actions is deemed essential.
Srinagar, Dec 28 (NationPress) In the lead-up to a student protest concerning job reservations in Jammu and Kashmir, former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, National Conference (NC) MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) MLA Waheed Para, and former Mayor of Srinagar Junaid Azim Mattoo claimed they have been placed under house arrest in Srinagar.
Iltija Mufti, a PDP leader and daughter of Mehbooba Mufti, expressed on X, “Like many others, I have also been placed under house arrest in Srinagar today. The insecurity and paranoia of the security agencies knows no bounds. This is the ‘normalcy’ in Naya Kashmir. An entire contingent of female police personnel is stationed at the gate to physically stop me. Can anyone explain on what grounds @JmuKmrPolice?”
Iltija Mufti resides with her mother in the Srinagar district.
Supporters of NC MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi reported that armed police have been deployed outside his home to obstruct his participation in the student protest.
PDP MLA Waheed Para also claimed he has been barred from leaving his house in Srinagar. He remarked on X, “The reservation policy has become a critical issue that impacts the very foundation of our younger generations' future. It has been over a year since we, along with students, gathered outside the CM @OmarAbdullah’s residence.”
“Regrettably, throughout this period, there has been zero initiative from the government to resolve this issue, which has only heightened the uncertainty and anxiety affecting our youth. This sit-in serves as a reminder to the government of its responsibility to act transparently and reform the existing oppressive reservation policy. At the very least, the reservation report should be made public. Even if the elected government claims that the matter lies with the Lieutenant Governor, there is no justification for keeping the report from public scrutiny,” he added.
“The accountability, wherever it lies, must be recognized, and institutions including the office of the CM and LG cannot evade public responsibility. The reservation matter is highly sensitive, and we firmly support the demand for fairness and its prompt resolution,” Para concluded.
Former Mayor of Srinagar, Junaid Azim Mattoo, stated, “There is a heavy deployment of JKP and CRPF outside my residence right now ahead of my participation in the student sit-in tomorrow. A policy of apartheid against students cannot gain legitimacy or permanence by silencing those who seek justice. I stand with the students.”
The NC government, led by Omar Abdullah, has recommended a 7% reduction in the reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and a 3% decrease in the quota for Residents of Backward Areas (RBA) to set the total quota under open merit for job reservations at 40% in the union territory. This change will take effect once it is sanctioned by the Lieutenant Governor.
Point of View
It is essential to acknowledge the growing discontent among the youth regarding job reservations in Jammu and Kashmir. The concerns raised by influential figures like Mehbooba Mufti and Waheed Para highlight the urgent need for transparency and dialogue from the government. Public accountability is crucial in addressing these pressing issues, ensuring that the voices of the youth are heard.
NationPress
08/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Mehbooba Mufti and others under house arrest?
They claim it is a preventive measure by the authorities to stop them from participating in a protest regarding job reservations.
What is the main issue surrounding the job reservation policy?
The proposed changes include cuts to existing quotas, which many believe threaten the future opportunities for youth in the region.
What has the government proposed regarding job reservations?
The NC government has recommended a reduction in reservations for EWS and RBA, aiming to limit the total quota under open merit.
