Srinagar, Oct 17 : People’s Democratic Party (PDP) youth leader Waheed Para has strongly criticized the Jammu and Kashmir Government’s decision to reduce the people of Backward Area (RBA) quota, terming it a deliberate attempt to undermine Kashmiri representation and empowerment.

In a post shared on social media platform X, Para described the cabinet sub-committee’s decision to slash the RBA quota under the pretext of “rationalization” as a calculated move aimed at disempowering the people of Kashmir. He said the step strikes at a quota that historically safeguarded the rights and representation of Kashmiris in administrative and educational opportunities.

“The J&K Government’s cabinet sub-committee decision to slash the RBA quota under the guise of ‘rationalization’ is a calculated attempt to disempower Kashmiris,” Para wrote. He added that the decision undermines a vital safeguard that ensures fair representation for people from backward and remote areas of the Valley.

Targeting National Conference leader and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Para alleged that by endorsing the move, Abdullah was not defending the cause of equity but was instead “advancing the disempowerment agenda.”

The RBA quota has long been a crucial aspect of reservation policy in Jammu and Kashmir, benefiting people from remote and underdeveloped areas. [KNT]