Srinagar, Nov 26 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir people's conference Chief Sajad Gani Lone on Tuesday said "The issue of reservations is a reality. We have to acknowledge the big white elephant in the room," stressing that the Kashmiri-speaking population has been pushed into a corner. While Lone recognizes the importance of affirmative action, he warned that it cannot be fully implemented at the expense of the Kashmiris, suggesting that there should be a balance.

Lone also pointed out the hardships faced by the Kashmiri-speaking people over the last three decades. "The Kashmiri-speaking population has been especially at the receiving end for the last three decades. They are the ones highest in terms of PSAs (Public Safety Acts) slapped, killed, injured, jailed, denied police verification, and now comes the reservation," he added.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The JKPC Chief accused both the present and past union governments of deliberately disempowering and marginalizing the Kashmiri community in the name of national interest. "The present union government, as well as the past ones, have been at the forefront in disempowering and marginalizing the Kashmiri community. They see the Kashmiris as enemies, and through a cruel system of reservations, they aim to make them socially and economically subservient to other communities," Lone lamented. (KNS)