An amendment to the J&K Reservation Act in March 2024, increasing vertical reservation to 60% and adding a 10% horizontal quota, has sparked controversy. This move reduced open merit seats to 30%, drawing criticism from most J&K political parties who allege it was an attempt to gain political advantage. While the Pahari community sought ST status, the amendment has intensified quota politics and social divisions, with major parties like the NC and PDP promising to revisit the issue in their election manifestos.