Student-led protest foiled in Srinagar; security restrictions imposed across city to prevent march on quota issue
BuzzBytes
SRINAGAR, Dec 28: Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday placed several prominent political figures, including PDP leader Iltija Mufti, youth leader Waheed Parra, and National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, under house arrest in a bid to thwart a planned student protest against the existing reservation policy. The restrictions, enforced in Srinagar and its adjoining areas, came ahead of a peaceful march that students from the Open Merit category had scheduled to press for rationalisation of the quota system in the Union Territory.
Iltija Mufti, in a social media post, said she had been confined to her residence in Srinagar and that security personnel had been deployed to prevent her movement. She described the action as “a reflection of insecurity and paranoia” on the part of the administration, alleging that even female police personnel were stationed outside her gate to physically stop her from stepping out. Calling the situation “normalcy in Naya Kashmir,” she demanded an explanation from authorities over the legal grounds for the restrictions.
Similarly, PDP youth leader Waheed Parra was also placed under house confinement. Both leaders were reportedly scheduled to participate in the student-led protest aimed at drawing attention to what the organisers called “imbalances” in the current reservation framework. The protesting students claimed that the existing policy undermines merit-based opportunities and has created inequities affecting candidates from the Open Merit category in competitive exams and admissions.
Meanwhile, National Conference Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi was also placed under house detention at his Budgam residence early Sunday morning. He had expressed solidarity with the protesting students and was expected to lead the march from Polo View to Gupkar Road in Srinagar. Confirming his detention, Ruhullah told reporters that “neither people are allowed to enter the house nor anyone from inside is permitted to step out.”
The house arrests effectively pre-empted the protest, as security forces intensified deployment across Srinagar to block potential gatherings. Officials said the measures were precautionary to maintain law and order, noting that the matter of reservation is under the government’s active consideration.
Student representatives said they were informed that their concerns have been forwarded to the Lieutenant Governor’s office and that the issue is under review. However, they expressed disappointment at what they called administrative inaction and prolonged delay, arguing that the uncertainty continues to affect their academic and career prospects.
The day passed off peacefully under tight security, with no untoward incidents reported. The detentions, however, have once again triggered criticism from the Opposition, which argues that preventing elected representatives and citizens from peaceful participation reflects shrinking democratic space in the Union Territory.
