The Jammu & Kashmir cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, approved the Cabinet Sub-Committee’s controversial reservation rationalisation report on Wednesday and forwarded it to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for final assent, setting the stage for a major political showdown. Sources reveal the proposal slashes the Residents of Backward Areas (RBA) quota by 3 percent and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) by 7 percent, raising the Open Merit share from 30 percent to 40 percent while leaving Scheduled Tribes (20 percent combined) and Scheduled Castes (8 percent) untouched.

Widespread outrage has erupted across Kashmir, with the Association of Residents of Backward Areas rejecting any drastic reduction or abolition of the 10 percent RBA quota, calling it the “only lifeline” for far-flung mountainous regions still deprived of basic infrastructure. The association warned that completely removing the quota would be catastrophic, though it indicated willingness for a marginal 5–6 percent adjustment if absolutely necessary.

Opposition Peoples Conference chairman Sajjad Lone accused the National Conference government of systematically excluding Kashmiris from government jobs by targeting the RBA category, the sole reservation segment where the Valley historically benefited. Former Srinagar Mayor Junaid Azim Mattu described the move as “another convenient wound” inflicted on Kashmir, predicting fewer Kashmiri candidates will qualify in competitive examinations and professional courses under the new structure.

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Open Merit students, meanwhile, dismissed the proposed cuts as “cosmetic” and vowed fierce resistance unless comprehensive rationalisation is implemented across all categories. They demanded immediate public disclosure of the full CSC report before the Lieutenant Governor grants approval, insisting that divisional-wise reservation remains the most equitable solution for Jammu & Kashmir’s unique demographic realities.

As protests gather momentum and political parties across the spectrum mobilise, the reservation overhaul has emerged as the most explosive issue facing the Omar Abdullah administration. With the Lieutenant Governor holding the final decision, the coming days are likely to witness intensified demonstrations and heightened regional polarisation over perceived injustice in the redistribution of opportunities.

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