| News Details |
| SC ST OBC to get their demands fulfilled, Gherao the State Assembly on 24th March 2025 | |
Jammu, March 09 (Scoop News)- A massive public meeting was organized at Ambedkar Chowk Jammu today under the aegis of All India Confederation of SC/ST/OBC Organisations and massive protest was held against the Reservation Amendment Bill 2025 introduced by NC MLA Bashir Ahmad Veeri, terming it anti-SC/ST/OBC and a direct attack on the constitutional rights of marginalized communities. A large number of Dalits, OBCs and Adivasis participated in the protest, and expressed their outrage over MLA Veeri and the Bill. Participants strongly opposed the reservation structure of the Bill, which allots only 16% representation/ reservation to 70% of the population, including 8% SC, 10% ST-1 and 52% OBC, while the General category gets 84% representation. The SC ST OBC demanded that National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah expel MLA Veeri from his party.
The SC ST OBC demanded to increase the reservation & promotions for SC from 8% to 10%, ST-1 from 10% to 12% and ensure OBC reservation at 27% as per Mandal Commission. They stressed the need to restore reservation in promotions for SC/ST/OBC employees without any delay, increase age relaxation for SC/ST candidates from three years to five years and fill all backlog vacancies for SC/ST/OBC candidates in government jobs. The confederation demanded return of state lands with legal ownership to SC/ST/OBC communities and comprehensive caste census at both state and national levels to ensure proportionate allocation of reservation and resources. They demanded immediate appointment of a Scheduled Caste member in the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (PSC), which is vacant since December 2022.
Another major demand raised was that the “rural/village” tag be removed from the central OBC list against the Nai, Kumhar, Teeli and Dhobi communities, as done in SRO 294 of 2005 and SRO 124 of 2000. They also rejected the fake and misleading reports submitted by the deputy commissioners of all 20 districts about the OBC population in Jammu and Kashmir. It called for a fresh door-to-door survey to determine the accurate OBC population and ensure proper representation in panchayats, municipal corporations and committees.
R K Kalsotra State President, All India Confeseration of SC/ST/OBC Organisations, J&K urged the government to take strict action against the increasing incidents of caste-based atrocities and ensure safety of vulnerable communities.
He warned that any attempt to tamper with the rights of SC/ST/OBC communities will not be tolerated and the confederation will take to the streets to protect their constitutional rights. He urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to take immediate action and introduce the genuine Reservation Amendment Bill 2025 in the upcoming assembly session. Kalsotra further said that confederation reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of the rights of SC/ST/OBC communities in Jammu and Kashmir and vowed to take all necessary steps to prevent any dilution of reservation policies.
To get their demands fulfilled, the gathering with one voice unanmiously decided to hold intense protests including gherao of Jammu and Kashmir assembly on 24th March (Monday)2025.
The protest was attended by many prominent leaders including Bansi Lal Choudhary, Amir-ud-din Kasana, Ramesh Uttama, Dr Ramesh Kaith, Shashi Syal, Manoj Kumar, Suraj Parkash, Sarwar Chauhan, Dr. Rajinder Thappa, Mohd Arif, Janak Raj Thappa, Laju Raj, Ramesh Chander and many others.
The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association on Sunday has written to Union External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, seeking immediate intervention in the case of Faizan Rasool, a 28-year-old youth from Safakadal, Srinagar, who has fallen victim to human trafficking and is currently being held hostage in Myanmar.
In its letter to the External Affairs Minister, the National Convenor of the Association, Nasir Khuehami, said that Faizan was lured by false promises of employment in Thailand. He, along with a friend, traveled to Bangkok in search of better opportunities. However, their journey turned into a harrowing ordeal when they were forced to undertake a 15-hour bus journey, cross a river, and were subsequently taken into Myanmar, a region notorious for human trafficking, forced labor, and organized crime.
Now held captive, Faizan’s abductors have demanded a ransom of ₹4.5 lakh for his release, threatening dire consequences if the amount is not paid. His family, already struggling financially, is devastated and fears for his life. His mother, holding an old photograph of her son, pleads, “He left home with dreams in his eyes… now we don’t even know if he’s alive.” His father, his voice trembling, adds, “We are helpless. If the government does not act, we may never see our son again,” the letter reads.
Their anguish is compounded by the fact that this is not an isolated incident. Recently, another Kashmiri youth, also named Faizan, returned home after his family paid a similar ransom, leaving them burdened with debt. These cases highlight a deeply troubling pattern where young Kashmiris, desperate for employment, are being lured by traffickers, only to be exploited or held captive for ransom. Such incidents point to a growing trend of human traffickers preying on young Kashmiris seeking employment abroad, Khuehami said.
In its appeal, the Association urged the Union External Affairs Minister to intervene through diplomatic channels and engage with Myanmar authorities to locate and secure Faizan Rasool’s release. It called for immediate coordination between Indian diplomatic missions in Thailand and Myanmar to expedite negotiations and ensure his safe return.
The association has also requested law enforcement agencies to take decisive action against trafficking networks targeting Indian youth. It has stressed the need for a strong travel advisory to prevent further exploitation of job-seeking individuals. "Every passing day increases the risk to Faizan Rasool’s life. With traffickers growing bolder and families left powerless, we appeal to the Union External Affairs Minister to act swiftly and decisively before another innocent life is lost," the association stated.
Khuehami urged the Union External Affairs Minister to prioritize this case on humanitarian grounds and ensure that all diplomatic channels are explored to facilitate Faizan’s safe return. The association expressed hope that the Ministry of External Affairs will act promptly, ensuring that all necessary diplomatic measures are taken to bring Faizan back home safely.
"The Indian government has always stood by its citizens abroad, ensuring justice and their safe return in times of crisis. We believe that under the leadership of Dr. S. Jaishankar, the Ministry of External Affairs will take swift and effective measures to resolve this issue," the association added.
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