- Says J&K Turned Into Municipality
- Demands Reservation Rationalisation
Jammu- In a fiery speech during the ongoing Assembly session, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Para took a sharp dig at the ruling party’s leadership, warning that their silence on key issues would come at a heavy cost for Jammu and Kashmir. The lawmaker questioned the government’s approach to governance, arguing that the region has been reduced to a “municipality” and stripped of its political agency.
Para also demanded rationalization of reservation in government recruitment in accordance with the population. “I am not against reservation to any community but it should not be at the cost of meritorious students.”
He argued that peace in Kashmir has come through force rather than reconciliation. “Yes, Kashmir is peaceful, but at what cost? If stability is being maintained through stringent laws, mass arrests, and fear, then what kind of peace is this?”
The speech, delivered during the debate on the Governor’s Address, also took aim at the document, calling it a reflection of the BJP’s policies rather than those of the ruling NC-led coalition. “Many BJP leaders have praised this document, which tells us everything about whose vision it represents,” he remarked.
“This Assembly is weaker than before, but it remains the last platform for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. We must decide whether we turn it into a mere municipality or restore its dignity,” Para said.
The PDP leader also said he is not asking for the release of the prisoners who were booked under Public Safety Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and lodged in jails outside in 2019 but their shifting to J&K.
“They are suffering in 50 degrees Celsius in Jodhpur and other jails (during summer) and their families are also unable to meet them,” he said, adding he also underwent the same suffering after being slapped with two cases under UAPA before becoming the MLA.
The lawmaker also pressed for the reinstatement of Martyrs’ Day (July 13) and Sheikh Abdullah’s birth anniversary as public holidays, calling it a necessary step to uphold Jammu and Kashmir’s political history. “July 13 is not a communal day—it is a day for democracy, marking the end of monarchy in Jammu and Kashmir,” he asserted.
‘Environmental Assessment For All Development Activities’
Para emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir requires periodic environmental assessments for all activities carried out in the name of development.
Para highlighted that a significant mafia in Jammu and Kashmir is exploiting the region’s natural resources.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Legislative Assembly Budget Session 2025, Para stated, “Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed the highest level of soil, sand, and stone mining in recent years, and there is a huge mafia behind it.”
“Due to mining and large-scale development, extensive destruction is occurring in J&K, particularly in the ecologically fragile Kashmir region,” he added.
Para further noted that Jammu and Kashmir’s fragile ecology is already under strain, citing the recent dry winter spell that has significantly lowered the water table.
“We have sought answers from the government on whether it assesses and measures the environmental hazards caused by projects, be it roads, railways, or tunnels,” he said.
Para continued, “We are inviting environmental troubles in the future. Therefore, we have sought an explanation from the environment minister regarding the environmental assessment of all ongoing projects in Jammu and Kashmir. These projects, carried out in the name of development, are causing large-scale destruction of our resources and environment.”
“The point is, there should be a proper mechanism to assess the feasible footfall of pilgrims and tourists visiting Jammu and Kashmir to ensure that glaciers and the ecology are not eroded. The Yatra in Kashmir can only be sustained if there is water, ice, and glaciers,” he explained.
The MLA further remarked, “As we can see, our brooks, wells, and streams have dried up. The Jhelum River is witnessing extensive sand mining. There is a mafia in Jammu and Kashmir that is extracting our resources. There should be an environmental assessment of everything happening in the name of development.”
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