Waheed Para Questions ‘Powerless Democracy’, Flags Unspent Funds and Youth Alienation

 

Hemani Kandhari 

Jammu, Feb 4:

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) MLA from Pulwama, Waheed-ur-Rehman Para, on the third day of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Budget Session, launched a sharp critique of the post-election governance framework, calling the current democratic process “procedural but powerless” while participating in the discussion on the Lieutenant Governor’s address.

Speaking in the House, Para said that while elections, formation of government, cabinet and opposition had restored the appearance of normalcy after August 5, 2019, the real authority and capacity to address people’s concerns remained structurally weakened. He argued that the political changes of August 2019 were not a one-time event but an process whose effects continue to shape governance in the Union Territory.

Para said the purpose of democracy was not limited to development indicators but was rooted in participation, dignity and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He noted that development had also taken place during LG’s rule, but without public participation, adding that people increasingly felt that “peace and development are being delivered at the cost of dignity and rights.”

Detentions, raids and fear persist: Para

Referring to the period following August 2019, the PDP legislator recalled widespread detentions, including of mainstream political leaders, and said such actions could not be brushed aside today. He said detentions, attachment of properties, termination of employees, NIA raids and ED notices are still realities on the ground, making it difficult to speak of compassionate or people-centric governance.

“We cannot talk about good governance when compassion, healing and empathy are missing from the vision document,” Para said, stressing that the pain experienced by the people should not be normalised or silenced.

Questions allocation vs execution

Raising serious concerns over implementation, Para alleged that despite allocations under the Special Assistance Scheme (SAS), execution on the ground was negligible. He claimed that Pulwama district had received approvals worth around ₹25 crore, but not a single project had been tendered even after one year.

He further alleged that despite claims of doubling allocations to nearly ₹300 crore under the scheme, actual expenditure remained zero, questioning the credibility of repeated announcements without delivery. Para also accused several departments of merely “copy-pasting” last year’s proposals in the current governance roadmap.

Reservation, youth anger and silence of government

Calling reservation a pressing issue, Para said that for the first time in Jammu and Kashmir’s history, the reservation process was being deliberately dragged, leading to frustration among students and job aspirants. He said committees and notifications had only delayed resolution, leaving youth unsure of whom to approach—an elected government or the LG.

He warned that nearly 60–70 percent of Kashmir’s population is youth, and the growing sense of defeat among them stems from silence and inaction. Even those who once boycotted or protested participated in voting. If this process fails, the responsibility lies with those in power,” he said.

‘Show same anger in Delhi’

Para also targeted the ruling National Conference, saying that while it aggressively confronts the BJP inside the Assembly, the same assertiveness is missing when leaders engage with the Union leadership in Delhi.

“You are the advocates of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. When you meet the Prime Minister or the Home Minister, we do not see the same anger that is displayed here,” he said, urging the Chief Minister to demand dialogue focused on the people and youth of J&K, not external narratives.

Law university row and call for inclusivity

On the National Law University (NLU) issue, Para recalled that the Act was passed in 2018 without controversy and suggested that two campuses—one in Jammu and one in Kashmir—could resolve the dispute, questioning why even allocated funds had not been utilised.

Concluding his speech, Para said the Omar Abdullah-led government had received a strong mandate and must use it to fight for Kashmir, not against it, warning that continued de-humanisation and administrative inertia would further alienate the people.