*”Kashmiri Speakers’ Future at Stake: Sajad Lone Warns of Reservation Report’s Potential Impact”*

Srinagar, July 3: Peoples Conference president and Handwara lawmaker Sajad Gani Lone has raised concerns about the potential impact of the upcoming reservation report on the Kashmiri-speaking population. In a social media post, Lone warned that if the report is released, the community will likely be affected once again.

Lone has been vocal about the need for a change in the recruitment policy, suggesting that the government should adopt a more localized approach. He recommends resuming district-level recruitment for non-gazetted posts and provincial-level recruitment for gazetted posts.

According to Lone, the current reservation system is "deeply inequitable” and has led to the marginalization of Kashmiri-speaking residents. He believes that the system creates a form of "social disempowerment” for the community and leads to a systematic decline in their representation in prestigious positions.

Lone pointed out that the current reservation framework disproportionately benefits certain regions, with 40% of Scheduled Tribe reservation benefits going to Jammu and 60% to Kashmir. This, he argues, results in Jammu benefiting more from reservations, while Kashmiri speakers are left to compete under open merit.

The Peoples Conference president emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy to address these issues, including region-wise rationalization of reservation quotas to ensure fair representation. He warned that if the current system is not changed, it will create long-term disadvantages for the Kashmiri-speaking community, potentially leading to societal fallout.

Lone’s warnings and suggestions aim to promote a more inclusive and equitable system that considers the needs and representation of all communities in Jammu and Kashmir. As the government prepares to release the reservation report, Lone’s concerns highlight the need for careful consideration and consultation to ensure that the rights and interests of all communities are protected.