JAMMU, August 13: Shri Ram Sena (SRS) has extended its support to Advocate Ranjodh Singh, whose indefinite hunger strike over alleged irregularities in the selection of outstanding sports persons under the Jammu & Kashmir sports quota has entered its seventh day.
SRS UT President Rajiv Mahajan said the concerns being raised by outstanding sports persons regarding the recently issued selection list deserve serious consideration by the Jammu & Kashmir Government. He demanded a fair, transparent and impartial inquiry into the selection process so that genuine and deserving athletes are not deprived of their rightful opportunities.
Mahajan said sportspersons who have brought laurels to Jammu & Kashmir and the country through national and international achievements should be treated with dignity and fairness. He stressed that government employment under the sports quota must be based strictly on merit, recognised sporting achievements and applicable rules, without favouritism or discrimination.
The SRS leader appealed to the Government to engage with the protesting sportspersons and resolve the issue at the earliest. He also urged the authorities to examine all objections raised against the selection list and take corrective measures wherever irregularities are established.
The protest has gained wider attention, with political representatives and social organisations visiting the protesting sportspersons. A BJP delegation also met the athletes on August 12 and assured them that their concerns would be raised in the Assembly.
“The struggle of our outstanding sports persons is a struggle for justice and recognition. The Government must listen to their genuine grievances and ensure that no deserving athlete suffers because of an unfair or non-transparent selection process,” Mahajan said.
SRS appealed to the Government to take immediate steps to safeguard the interests of deserving sportspersons and restore their confidence in the sports recruitment system.