Srinagar, May 22: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Youth President Waheed Ur Rehman Parra on Wednesday said the party’s president Mehbooba Mufti will build consensus in Parliament to abolish the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).
Parra in a statement said, “UAPA, often used as a tool of abuse, has alarming statistics: 66% of cases involve no violence, 56% result in detainees held without chargesheets for two years, and the conviction rate since 2014 stands at a mere 2.4%. If elected, Mehbooba Mufti will work towards repealing this law, which is a gross abuse of power.”
Waheed reiterated PDP’s stance against draconian laws like the UAPA, which he alleged are used to silence dissent and curtail civil liberties. “UAPA undermines democratic principles, allowing prolonged detentions without trial and violating fundamental rights,” he said.
Asserting the importance of voting as a means to shape the future and reclaim rights, the PDP leader urged the people of south Kashmir to support Mehbooba Mufti for her vision of justice, unity and resilience.
He portrayed Mufti’s stance against the UAPA as a call for restoring the rule of law and ensuring no unjust persecution. Abolishing the UAPA is vital for restoring peace and trust in society,” he said.
Parra affirmed PDP’s commitment to securing the release of Kashmiri youths detained under stringent laws like the UAPA and the Public Safety Act (PSA). Drawing from personal experience, having spent two years in incarceration, Parra expressed solidarity with the incarcerated youth. He pledged to fight for the release of political prisoners and facilitate their return home to reunite with their families.
