The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association on Thursday congratulated Omar Abdullah on being sworn in as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. In a statement issued National Convenor of Association Nasir Khuehami expressed optimism that the new government will address longstanding issues faced by students across the region and will fulfill the aspirations of the youth, promote peace, and drive socio-economic development across the Union Territory.
He emphasized the significance of equal representation for both Jammu and Kashmir within the new administration, indicating a commitment to addressing the needs and concerns of both regions.
He said, “We look forward to his leadership in tackling key issues such as youth empowerment, education, unemployment, and regional development. I am optimistic that Omar Abdullah will continue to prioritize the needs and aspirations of the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.”
The Association wished the Chief Minister great success and expressed its eagerness to work closely with the administration, particularly in addressing student-related issues both within the region and beyond. He expressed hope that the new Chief Minister would establish robust mechanisms, in collaboration with counterparts and other state governments, to support Kashmiri students. This includes resolving their concerns in mainland India, such as the hostel crisis, incidents of harassment and intimidation, and ensuring their safety.
He assured the new government of its full support and cooperation and pledged to assist in addressing the issues faced by the student community. He also emphasized the hope that the new administration would prioritize resolving the longstanding grievances of students in Jammu and Kashmir, including reviewing and potentially increasing the age limit for recruitment in the Open Merit (OM) category.
“This mandate is a clear reflection of the people’s expectations to restore J&K’s political dignity, address pressing concerns, and ensure tangible development,” Khuehami said. “The onus is now on the government to meet these expectations.” He stressed that the aspirations of the people in the Union Territory could only be fulfilled by maintaining a cordial relationship with the Centre and working within the current UT framework.
He further highlighted the need for the new government to overhaul the reservation policy in J&K. “The blatant assault on open merit must end now. If we don’t act, it may be too late to restore fairness and transparency. Meritocracy is at stake—it’s now or never, he said.
Khuehami urged the Chief Minister to reconsider recent changes to the reservation policy. While increasing the quota for specific groups is essential for equity, he cautioned that it also limits opportunities for OM candidates. “Let’s ensure a balanced approach that supports both inclusivity and merit,” he added.
Khuehami expressed hope that the new government will prioritize the welfare of the student community and address their longstanding issues and demands. It noted that, in the absence of an elected government over the past five years, the Association had to approach various state governments to resolve challenges faced by Jammu and Kashmir students studying across the country, especially in mainland India.
Khuehami pointed out that there are currently around 1 lakh students from Jammu and Kashmir pursuing their education nationwide. To effectively address the problems they encounter at the college, university, or state levels, including cases of harassment or intimidation, the Association urged the Chief Minister to establish a dedicated student cell and appoint nodal officers. This initiative would ensure that student issues are resolved promptly and on a merit basis.
He said that the Association extended its support and cooperation to the new government in its efforts to bring lasting peace, progress, and resolution to student-centric issues in Jammu and Kashmir.
