Online Web Editor Haamid Bala
The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Tuesday urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene and facilitate permission for organizing a peaceful, academic, and non-partisan public debate on the Reservation Policy in Jammu & Kashmir.
In a statement, National Convenor of the Association Nasir Khuehami said that the Association had approached the administration twice; first for permission to hold a Youth Conclave on the Reservation Policy on 24th September, and later for a Public Debate proposed on 27th October at Tagore Hall, Srinagar. Despite submitting both applications well in advance and completing all formalities, permission was not granted on either occasion. Association members were made to move from one office to another; from the Civil to Police Administration; yet the process yielded no outcome. No permission has been granted for either of the scheduled programs, and no reasons or explanations have been provided. We tried to reach out; however, no response was received, he said.The Association explained that the proposed program was an academic and policy-centric initiative intended to bring together diverse voices; Members of Parliament, legislators, representatives from both the Government and Opposition (including the Leader of Opposition and party presidents), Ex Chief Ministers, student representatives, civil society, academics, and members of trade and industry bodies to deliberate on the evolving framework of reservation in Jammu and Kashmir. The event was carefully structured to ensure inclusivity, neutrality, and adherence to all administrative and security guidelines, with participation limited to 200 individuals.
The Association emphasized that its activism remains academic, constitutionally grounded, and peaceful, focusing on democratic dialogue rather than confrontation. Association has a consistent record of constructive engagement with both the Central and State Governments, as well as with civil society and academic institutions, on issues concerning youth and students. Earlier this year, it successfully organized a similar event in New Delhi with due permission from the authorities, which concluded peacefully and received appreciation from participants and observers alike.
The Association further noted that it has already submitted a comprehensive six-month policy report on the state of reservation in Jammu & Kashmir, containing 15 detailed recommendations to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, and the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir. The proposed Srinagar dialogue was intended as a follow-up to those recommendations, aimed at bridging gaps, fostering consensus, and promoting evidence-based policymaking through student-led civic engagement.
However, the repeated denial of permission without citing any valid reason is deeply disappointing and undermines the democratic spirit of discussion and dissent. Suppressing peaceful, student-led platforms for policy dialogue alienates young people from governance and weakens the participatory fabric of democracy.
Khuehami urged the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister to reconsider their stance and permit this student-led initiative, which seeks only to contribute positively to the ongoing conversation on reservation, an issue of immense social, educational, and economic importance for the future of Jammu and Kashmir.
He added that empowering young people to engage in open and constructive discussions strengthens democracy and builds trust between the administration and the young generation. “Students are not seeking confrontation; they are seeking conversation. Allowing such platforms will send a strong message that the government stands for inclusivity, transparency, and participatory governance,” he added.
