Duo from Kupwara die of suffocation in Srinagar’s Barthana

Srinagar, Dec 22 (KNO): Two people from North Kashmir’s Kupwara died due on Sunday due to suffocation in the Barthana area of Srinagar, officials said.

An official, confirmed to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that two people from Kupwara, residing in servant quarters at Barthana area of Qamarwari Srinagar, lost their lives due to suffocation.

He said both persons were later identified as Parvaiz Ahmad Khan and Mohd Yousf Khan, residents of Kalaroos Paraypora, Kupwara.

He added that their bodies have been shifted to SMHS Hospital Srinagar for medico-legal formalities.

Meanwhile, police said that they have taken cognizance into the incident—(KNO)

CM Omar responds to reservation policy concerns, assures transparent process

Srinagar, Dec 22 (JKNS): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the reservation policy, reaffirming his government’s commitment to thoroughly examining all aspects of the issue.

Talking to the microblogging site X, Omar as per the news agency JKNS highlighted that the reservation issue was part of his party, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), manifesto ahead of the recent assembly elections.

He says that, to address the concerns, a cabinet sub-committee has been formed, and the process of engaging with stakeholders is underway. The sub-committee, which was recently notified, is set to begin its work to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the matter.

“I understand the emotions surrounding the reservation issue. JKNC had committed to examining all aspects of it in our manifesto released before the assembly elections. It is as a continuation of this commitment that a cabinet sub-committee was constituted to move towards fulfilling this promise. That sub-committee was only recently notified and is in the process of starting its work by engaging with all stakeholders. In the meantime, the reservation policy has also been challenged in the Hon’ble High Court of JK&L. We will, of course, be bound by any judgment when the final legal options have been exhausted,” CM’s Tweet on X reads.

It reads as, “It has come to my attention that a protest is being planned in Srinagar to highlight the sense of injustice surrounding the reservation policy. A peaceful protest is a democratic right, and I would be the last person to deny anyone that right, but please protest knowing that the issue has not been ignored or swept under the carpet. Your government is doing what any responsible government would do – making sure everyone is heard and a fair decision is arrived at after completing due process.”

Lastly, Member of Parliament Aga Ruhullah said that he will hold a peaceful and dignified protest outside the chief minister’s official residence on Gupkar Road to demand rationality in the reservation policy.—(JKNS)

Aga Ruhullah to protest outside CM’s house tomorrow on Reservation Policy

Srinagar, Dec 22 (KNO): Member of Parliament Aga Ruhullah Sunday said that he will hold a “peaceful” and “dignified” protest outside chief minister’s official residence on Gupkar road to demand rationality in the reservation policy.
In a post on X, Aga Ruhullah, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that he urged everyone to wait till December 22 to give the elected government time to address the issue.

“Today marks the date I had committed to stand with those whose voices demand rationality in the reservation policy. In my response to a post on X (Twitter) by a concerned citizen, I urged everyone to wait until 22nd December to give the elected government time to address this issue. I also said that if the matter was not resolved by then, I would join you in protest outside the HCM’s residence or office,” he said.

Ruhullah added that the deadline ends tonight, and he stands by his commitment, and tomorrow, he will join the people in a peaceful and dignified attempt at 2 pm outside chief minister’s official reaidence to demand answers on their issues from the government.

“Over the past month, I’ve observed a range of reactions to the formation of the sub-committee. To those who believe that the issue remains unaddressed in a satisfactory manner: I stand by my commitment. Tomorrow, I will join the people in a peaceful and dignified attempt to demand answers on their issues from the government,” he said.

He requested all those voluntarily coming to maintain civility and focus on raising genuine demands for a rational reservation policy. “To those who seek to exploit this issue for political gains: I welcome you to step out tomorrow and step away from rhetoric. Show your sincerity where it matters—the streets.

Calls for revocation of reservation policy in Jammu and Kashmir have been getting louder with the National Conference leader and MP Aga Ruhullah earlier promising to join the outcry.

The policy introduced by lieutenant governor-led administration, before the assembly elections early this year, had squeezed the general category to 40%, which form the majority of the population, and increased reservation for reserved categories to 60%—(KNO)