Kashmir MP Aga Ruhullah under house arrest amid reservation protest

BUDGAM — Authorities on Sunday foiled a proposed student protest over the reservation issue in Srinagar by placing Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi under house detention in central Kashmir’s Budgam district.

According to details, students belonging to the Open Merit category were scheduled to assemble at Polo View, Srinagar, from where a protest march was planned towards Gupkar Road. The demonstration was supposed to be led by Ruhullah, who has been extending support to the students demanding rationalisation of the existing reservation policy.

However, ahead of the scheduled protest, authorities placed the MP under house arrest, effectively preventing him from participating in or leading the march. Ruhullah confirmed his detention to the news agency KNT, stating that he had been confined to his residence.

“Neither people are allowed to enter my house nor is anybody from inside allowed to venture out,” Ruhullah said, confirming that he has been placed under house detention.

Students said their demand centres on what they described as an imbalance in the reservation framework, which they believe adversely affects candidates from the Open Merit category.

According to the students, the government has informed them that the matter currently lies with the Lieutenant Governor’s office. They expressed disappointment over what they termed as undue delay in addressing the issue, saying the uncertainty has impacted their academic and career prospects.