Srinagar, Oct 14 : Srinagar MP and senior National Conference (NC) leader Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi said the issue of reservation in Jammu and Kashmir is not just a local concern but a major political matter and hinted that he, along with students, may again take to the streets to press for resolution.
In an interview with KNS, Mehdi said that the government had promised to resolve the reservation issue within six months after setting up a committee, but there has been no visible progress. “The committee was supposed to submit its report within six months. Later, it was said that the report had been sent to the law department, but it has not been made public yet,” he said.
Mehdi said he had spoken to students affected by the issue and assured them of support if they chose to protest again. “At that time, I spoke to the students and told them that if they have to go on the streets again, I am ready for that too. It is an elected government—why will they not listen? Why should students have to protest repeatedly?” he asked.
He said the event that was planned earlier at Tiger Hall to discuss the issue was not allowed, but he continued to engage with students. “I do not want students to suffer, but I remain with them. Internally, the issue is neither dead nor on the back foot for me,” Mehdi said.
Speaking about internal party matters, Mehdi said there have been informal conversations regarding the upcoming Budgam elections.
He said he had made his position clear during those discussions. “In that informal conversation, I said that before we talk about Budgam, you should act on what you had promised regarding reservation,” he said.
Mehdi said he put forward one key condition during those talks that the reservation issue be taken up by the cabinet and the sub-committee report be made public. “If you can show your intention by doing these two or three things, then I will give my answer regarding Budgam,” he said.
Addressing speculation about his differences with the party, Mehdi said his actions were not about confrontation but about raising issues based on principles. Whatever differences exist are issue-based,” he said.
Mehdi said that reservation was one among several issues tied to the broader political rights of Jammu and Kashmir. “Our commitment to people is based on our agenda and rights, including those linked to Article 370. If political effort is not visible, it appears as confrontation,” he said.
He added that he continues to fight for these issues in every available forum and that his position remains consistent. “Wherever and in whichever way I can fight, I am fighting the same issue-based fight,” Mehdi said.(KNS)
