Jammu, 18 December 2024—Hundreds of students, led by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), staged a protest on Tuesday, alleging discrimination against Hindi and Sanskrit in the Jammu and Kashmir government’s recruitment policies. The demonstrators, marching through Jammu University and city streets, culminated their protest with a dharna, blocking the key Tawi bridge on the national highway.
The protestors criticized the National Conference-led government for sidelining national languages in a recent Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) notification for 10+2 lecturer positions. The notification, dated November 12, advertised 575 teaching posts but excluded Hindi and Sanskrit while including foreign languages like Arabic and Persian.
“This blatant discrimination undermines our national and cultural identity,” ABVP leader Surinder Singh said. “The deliberate preference for foreign languages over Hindi and Sanskrit is an attack on our civilisation and values. We are not opposed to any language, but this bias is unacceptable,” he added.
ABVP leader Anita Devi described the omission as a broader assault on cultural heritage. “This isn’t just about employment—it’s a fight to preserve our cultural identity. Hindi and Sanskrit are part of our roots, and their exclusion is deeply hurtful,” she said.
Protesters carried placards and raised slogans, accusing the government of adopting “Kashmir-centric policies” and ignoring Jammu’s aspirations. Several students were detained during the sit-in as senior police and district officials attempted to negotiate and lift the blockade.
Condemnation of the notification extended beyond the ABVP, with BJP leaders and Jammu-based organizations warning the government of political fallout. BJP MLA Vikram Randhawa criticized the move, calling it evidence of the National Conference’s alleged regional bias.
“Just weeks into power, the NC government is already ignoring Jammu’s legitimate concerns,” Randhawa said. “I urge the JKPSC to include 200 positions for Hindi lecturers and at least 20 each for Dogri, Punjabi, and Sanskrit to ensure fair representation.”
The protests remain ongoing as ABVP members demand amendments to the JKPSC recruitment criteria and fair consideration for local and national languages.
