Srinagar, Dec 23 (Reporter) Several political leaders and a large number of students on Monday staged a protest outside the residence of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah against the reservation policy, which was introduced earlier this year by the Lieutenant Governor- administration. The protest brought political adversaries together who were seen advocating for fairness in recruitments and admissions. Those who joined the protest included Member of Parliament and National Conference leader Ruhullah Mehdi, Waheed Parra and Iltija Mufti of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Awami Itihad Party leader Sheikh Khursheed- brother of MP Engineer Rashid. The protesting aspirants were carrying placards with slogans “justice for open merit candidates,” 'strive for merit, achieve greatness.” “The government must ensure fairness and equality in its recruitment policies,” MP Mehdi said while addressing the protesting aspirants. He urged the government to revise the reservation policy for an equitable approach. Earlier, Kashmiri separatist leader and Hurriyat Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq had said he would join the protest on reservation policy if he was allowed by the authorities. “The issue of reservations should be addressed with justice and fairness by those in charge, safeguarding the interests of all segments of society, not at the expense of any one group. The current status of reservations does that, by undermining the interests of the General / open merit category. Fervent appeal to address their concerns immediately! Support #openmeritstudentsassociation,” Mirwaiz said in a post on X. He said he supports the sit-in protest of Open Merit Students Association J&K. “Would be part of it if authorities allowed. My delegation will be there to support,” the Hurriyat Chairman said, adding that he would raise the issue during his Friday sermon at historic Jamia mosque whenever permitted to go. On December 10, Omar Abdullah government formed a three-member panel to review the reservation policy in jobs and admissions. The Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh high court, is hearing a petition challenging the reservation policy which recently sought a response on the same from the government. The Union Territory administration, led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, implemented a 10% reservation for the Pahari community. This change increased the total reserved seats across various categories to 60%, leaving only 40% of seats available for general category candidates. This triggered unrest among aspirants from Open Merit who have been calling for a review of the new policy...////...