People’s Democratic Party (PDP) MLA Waheed Parra on Tuesday raised serious concerns over the Jammu and Kashmir administration’s policies during a debate on the Governor’s Address in the Union Territory’s Assembly. Parra questioned the government’s stance on key issues such as political prisoners, reservation policies and the removal of July 13 as a public holiday marking Martyrs’ Day.
Martyrs’ Day, observed on July 13, commemorates the 22 Kashmiri protesters who were killed in 1931 while demonstrating against the rule of the Dogra Maharaja.
The day had been officially recognised as a public holiday for decades until its removal after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
PDP and other opposition parties have been demanding its restoration, arguing that it represents the first political awakening of Kashmiris and their struggle for democracy.
Parra criticised the Governor’s address, saying that it misrepresented the vision of both the Chief Minister and the Prime Minister.
He argued that the document failed to address the real concerns of the people and did not reflect the promises made by the ruling party.
"This document does not align with the BJP’s manifesto. It only highlights selective achievements while ignoring the ground realities of Jammu and Kashmir," he said.
The leader accused the government of suppressing voices and stifling democratic discourse in the Assembly.
"The sentiments and aspirations of the people cannot be contained through business rules and reorganisation,’’ he said. “If the Assembly does not allow genuine debates and discussions, it will lead to greater frustration, and ultimately, to violence and separatism."
The PDP leader also raised concerns over political prisoners from Jammu and Kashmir who remain incarcerated in different parts of India.
He alleged that many young Kashmiris had been detained under harsh laws and were suffering in extreme conditions far from their homes.
"Our youth are languishing in jails in 50-degree heat. Their families cannot afford legal representation. What kind of governance is this, where justice is denied?" he asked.
He demanded a resolution in the Assembly calling for the return of all prisoners to Jammu and Kashmir,
“Keeping them in distant jails only fosters resentment and alienation,’’ he said. “ We are seeking their release but judge them in jail in Jammu and Kashmir.”
Demand for Reservation Based on Population Proportion
Another major issue the PDP leader raised was the reservation policy in government jobs and educational institutions.
The PDP leader insisted that reservation should be proportional to the population, following global standards.
"Reservation for SC, ST and OBC sections is necessary, but it must be based on a proper matrix,’’ he said. Otherwise, merit will be destroyed, and deserving students will suffer.”
He pointed out that many Kashmiri families are forced to sell their land to send their children to study in cities like Bangalore and Pune. "If a meritorious student cannot get a job or an education despite his hard work, what should he do?" he questioned.
The PDP leader also made a strong appeal for the restoration of July 13 as Martyrs Day.
He urged all parties, including the BJP, to recognise its historical significance. "This is not about ideology—it is about the democratic history of Jammu and Kashmir,’’ he said.
Parra concluded by urging the Assembly to uphold democratic values and address the real concerns of the people. "Good governance cannot come at the cost of justice," he said.
He warned that continued suppression would only widen the gap between the government and the people.