- J&K reduced to status of municipality
- People need vote to secure the future
- ‘Hybrid parties’ neglecting voices of people
- Jail has brought me closer to the harsh realities
Youth President of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Parliamentary candidate for Central Kashmir, Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra has said that due to absence of elections in Jammu and Kashmir, Lok Sabha polls would be a game-changer.
In an exclusive interview with Rising Kashmir’s Chief Reporter Irfan Yattoo, Parra discussed a range of topics and outlined his hopes for a stronger, more empowered Kashmir. He urged those who have traditionally boycotted elections to vote this time to secure the future of the Himalayan region.
Excerpts:
Q1. How do you view the intense competition for the Srinagar Parliamentary seat among PDP, NC, Apni Party and other candidates?
We are trying out to reach people through the workers, who are behind us. If you see, PDP is not organizing mega rallies but small room meetings and door-to-door campaigns due to limited financial resources.
I am dedicated to conveying the message and principles of PDP. For us, this is a project of healing rather than coercing attendance at large rallies. With limited resources and financial support, our focus is on effectively spreading PDP’s message.
I began my political career in 2011, actively participating in PDP’s campaigns. Throughout this journey, Mehbooba Mufti has been my role model, with her compassionate approach at the core of her political philosophy.
Q2: How challenging is it for you to campaign against NC’s candidate Agha Ruhullah?
In our entire PDP campaign, we are not opposing anyone directly. We refrain from criticizing those who work against us. Even when other parties campaign against us, we choose not to retaliate. Our sole focus is to advocate for the people and highlight their struggles.
In most of my speeches, I discuss the rights of the people and the youth, addressing the pervasive sense of hopelessness in Kashmir. We talk about the things that have been taken from us, things that have led to diminished hope.
Our goal is to restore that hope among the people of Kashmir. With the prevailing stress and anxiety among the population, we are committed to rebuilding.
Youth are increasingly drawn to the PDP, and people appreciate the clear stance of Mehbooba Mufti. We are striving for unity and making efforts to connect with people at the grassroots level.
Q-3: With opponent parties raising concerns about alleged fake encounters in Kashmir during PDP-JKNC government regimes, what is your stance on this issue?
Regarding any accountability for encounters or staged events, I advocate for thorough inquiries by the government of Jammu and Kashmir and the Government of India into every encounter. The ‘hybrid parties’ that emerged after August 2019 were also part of previous governments. If they have any complaints, they should file them and push for investigations. We welcome every inquiry, even if it pertains to the PDP.
Q4: Recently, PDP held a massive youth rally at Lal Chowk, Srinagar, What message did you aim to convey to the people?
We are here to stay, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are the true stakeholders of their land, employment, and other rights. Lal Chowk holds deep sentimental value for us. Our connection to this place is profound, and we wanted to convey the message that we stand with the people of J&K.
In most of PDP’s rallies, it is the youth who are taking the lead role. They see us as their hope, as our party addresses core issues such as special status, employment, and electricity. We are striving to become the voice of the voiceless.”
Q 5: You mention referendums in your rallies; what type of referendum are you advocating for?
Our context is quite straightforward; in the rest of the country, people exercise their right to vote. Let us seek the mandate of the people. I urge everyone to step out of their homes and cast their votes, to actively choose and determine the fate of any candidate or political party.
We need massive participation from the youth, and even those who have previously boycotted polls should come forward and vote. This election should truly belong to the people, rather than just the parties.
Q-6: You often criticize the BJP, but as a party, you maintain relative silence on the Congress. What is the reason behind this?
I believe that when it comes to national parties, there is a uniform criticism directed towards us. However, the current narrative in the country is distinct, and it is imperative for people to address these issues, especially those in power.
“We must focus on healing the immediate wounds, and historically, it is well-known that the Congress, like other parties, has also contributed to the challenges faced by people of Kashmir today.
Q-7: How has prison time changed you as a person?
“Being in jail has brought me closer to the harsh realities faced by many. Numerous leaders, including India’s first PM JL Nehru and AB Vajpayee, have also experienced confinement. Jail is also a school, it gives you a lot of clarity.
My time in detention has connected me with those who have been forgotten by society. There is immense pain and trauma among the people of Kashmir, and our goal is to address these issues and extend our support to them.
We want our youth to understand that there is indeed a future for them. Our commitment to alleviating their pain extends beyond the election period; we will continue to stand by them. We always remind them that in a democracy, there is a solution for every challenge.
Q-8: If elected to parliament, what issues will you prioritize and highlight?
I will highlight the core issues, insecurities about the future and people want that parliament to assure these things. It is not only about 35A and Article 370; the problem is much bigger than that, there is a lot of fear and anxiety among the people of J&K.
We are making the efforts to win the hearts of people in Delhi. It is time to change their perception and provide them awareness about Kashmir.
We are a small Muslim majority place that opted for the constitution of India, why questions were always raised on us. We want to convey this message to the entire nation that youth of Kashmir should be given full independence to live their lives.
Q-9: Recently you spoke about providing free electricity to people, when PDP was in power, why was it not possible?
We had already put it into our agenda of alliance about NHPC projects. We are supplying Rs 50000 crore worth to the country though NHPC as per Indus water treaty. Atleast J&K should be given free electricity and we will try to work on it and it is in core issues of the PDP.
Everything, we will speak about core issues, the real issues including electric bills that have broken the back of poor people and J&K is generating a value of 50000 crore value to the country as per Indus water treaty. Our electricity should be free but it never happened.
Q-10: Recently Party President Mehbooba Mufti visited Pir Panchal, where massive support was seen, was this on expected lines?
Mehbooba Mufti has emerged as a beacon of hope for the people, garnering significant grassroots support. Over the past 5-6 years, she has fearlessly confronted authority and advocated for the core issues affecting the people.
The upcoming LS Polls hold the potential to be a game-changer, considering the absence of elections in Jammu and Kashmir for the past decade.
With the revocation of statehood, the region’s status has been reduced to less than that of a municipality today. This marks a significant transition in Kashmir’s 70-year journey.
I hope that people will give their message to the outside by coming out and vote for change. Irrespective of the candidate or party, they should throw us a surprise.
Most leaders, including those who have formed new parties ‘Hybrid parties’, are focused on issues concerning Delhi, neglecting the voices of the people of Kashmir. However, Mehbooba Mufti stands as a solitary figure advocating for the rights and concerns of Kashmiris.
She remains the primary voice for the region, while others seem incapable of even representing themselves. Mehbooba’s struggle is for the future of the children of Jammu and Kashmir.”
Q-11: Many senior leaders left PDP; do you feel their absence would impact the party?
Yes, the absence of every worker who left the party does make a difference on the ground. While some departed due to personal differences or priorities, each departure has its repercussions.
We urge them to reconsider and return to the party that represents the aspirations of the people. Unity is crucial for Kashmir at this juncture.
Q-12: What would be your message to people of J&K?
People should come out of their homes and vote for the right candidate and not waste your precious vote. Every vote counts and makes a stronger democracy.
