The Open Merit Students Association in Jammu and Kashmir decided to cancel its planned protest in Srinagar on Sunday after several political leaders were placed under house arrest. Among those confined were National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, PDP MLA Waheed Parra, and Iltija Mufti, daughter of former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti.
The protest was scheduled near Polo View Market and was to move towards Gupkar Road. Students wanted to raise their voice against the current reservation system in government jobs and college admissions, which they say is unfair to open merit candidates, who make up the majority of the population. Under the existing rules, less than 40% of jobs and professional seats are open to merit-based applicants, while the rest are reserved across different categories.
Authorities acted ahead of the protest, stationing police and paramilitary forces outside the homes of senior leaders to prevent their participation. Former Srinagar Mayor Junaid Azim Mattu also reported heavy security outside his residence. Leaders described the house arrests as a pre-emptive measure to stop a peaceful demonstration. Ruhullah Mehdi’s office said armed police were outside his residence and termed the move “unjustified.” Iltija Mufti called the confinement “paranoia” and questioned the legal grounds for it.
Following these events, the Open Merit Students Association asked students to return home safely and called off the sit-in. Leaders and activists are urging the government to review the reservation policy, describing some provisions as restrictive and demanding a fairer system.
The incident has sparked political debate in the Union Territory. Critics say the preventive actions limit democratic freedom and suppress peaceful protest. Meanwhile, students and leaders continue to demand a revision of the quota system to ensure fair opportunities for all candidates based on merit.
