Srinagar, Dec 28 (JKNS): The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Sunday strongly condemned what it termed as a wave of detentions, intimidation of families, and hostel lockdowns targeting students, allegedly aimed at preventing a peaceful protest seeking a fair and equitable reservation policy in Jammu and Kashmir.
In a statement issued here to news agency JKNS National Convenor of the Association, Nasir Khuehami, said the government’s approach was deeply concerning. “We have always prioritised dialogue over discord. Treating students the future of this region as adversaries is a grave mistake. These young people are not agitators; they are informed citizens standing up for their constitutional rights to justice and equality,” he said.
Khuehami stressed that the grievances raised by students are neither secessionist nor anti-national in nature. “These are purely constitutional demands. We expect the authorities to respond within the constitutional framework. No office or authority stands above the Constitution,” he asserted, adding that the students have consistently adhered to peaceful and constitutional means throughout their movement.
He further said that while the proposed sit-in had to be cancelled due to administrative restrictions, the legitimacy of the students’ concerns cannot be ignored. “By resorting to detentions and intimidation, the authorities have, in effect, acknowledged that the reservation policy warrants serious review and engagement,” he added.
The JKSA appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to shift from a policy of containment to one of consultation. “We urge the government to move from intimidation to inclusion and to actively engage with students on matters of public concern,” the association said.
The statement added that any discussion on the reservation policy must be conducted through genuine dialogue, ensuring that student voices are heard and their concerns addressed in a fair and transparent manner. “It is time to stop criminalising dissent and start listening to the youth, who seek nothing but justice, equity, and adherence to constitutional principles,” JKSA said. (JKNS)
