The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Thursday witnessed a heated exchange between People’s Conference chairman Sajad Gani Lone and National Conference MLA Nazir Ahmad Gurezi over reservation issue, with several lawmakers from reserved constituencies also protesting against the former.
During the zero hour, Sajad Lone, per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), questioned the government over the basis and data supporting reservation in public employment and education.
Lone said he had submitted two questions seeking details of the Cabinet Sub-Committee report and the data used to justify reservation.
“I consider reservation a serious matter. When I asked for the sub-committee report and the supporting data, there was no clear response,” Lone said.
He argued that extending reservation without proper assessment could limit opportunities for meritorious candidates. “If reservation had been applied earlier, would we have the doctors, engineers, and lawyers we see today? They reached those positions through open competition. Increasing reservation now will restrict talent that could represent J&K globally,” Lone said.
Lone urged the government to make information public instead of avoiding scrutiny. “Someone wants to research and analyze this issue. The government should provide data rather than block questions,” he said.
His remarks drew a sharp response from NC MLA Nazir Ahmad Gurezi, who said such comments ignored the challenges faced by students from remote regions like Gurez. “You studied in London, while my son studies in a school in Dawar where there are no teachers,” Gurezi said.
He said students in backward areas often study without basic facilities such as science teachers but still compete in the same exams.
“There is no science stream in many high schools in Gurez, yet our students sit for the same tests. When a boy from Gurez gets selected, you say he cannot bear the competition. He can, and he is as capable as anyone,” Gurezi said.
The exchange led to protests in the House, with MLAs from reserved constituencies standing up to oppose Lone’s comments. The Speaker intervened to restore order, and proceedings went smoothly.—(KNO)
