Srinagar, April 7 -- It was only weeks ago that the government in response to growing public protests and civil society pressure, set up a cabinet sub-committee to look into the issue of unfair job quotas. The sub-committee, headed by Social Welfare Minister Sakina Itoo, was meant to recommend reform to the existing quotas, which are believed to disproportionately favour the underprivileged classes. But the affidavit tells another story altogether: it goes against the government position.

The government in damage control mode has said it will file a fresh affidavit, if need be. Addressing a press conference in Anantnag. Itoo termed the affidavit in question as vague, The National Conference, on the other hand, has distanced itself from t...