Pulwama, May 04: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Srinagar-Budgam Parliamentary constituency, Waheed ur Rehman Parra on Saturday termed Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s statement that the Hurriyat Conference is not against the idea of elections in Jammu and Kashmir as a welcome step.
“The statement by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq is a welcome step,” Parra said, adding that they wish people should participate in this election in large numbers because people here face a lot of issues.
This time, the election is the only way through which people can make their voices heard and break the “atmosphere of silence”, he added.
The PDP leader said the people of Jammu and Kashmir need to show greater participation in elections to have their true representation at all levels. “We hope people will take this statement in a positive direction and vote vigorously in the parliamentary elections,” he said.
Waheed termed it unfortunate that the political discourse in this election has fallen low due to certain political parties who, according to him, set a narrative and that they are being made to respond to it unwillingly.
“We don’t want to be involved in this murky politics of accusations and counter-accusations because, at this time, people face tough challenges and are in need of healing,” he said and appealed to political parties, including those of the Apni Party, to become the voice of the people and talk about their issues.
Meanwhile, according to the statement issued by the PDP, Parra addressed several public meetings during his trial campaign in various areas of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Saturday. During the campaign, he engaged with dozens of contractual employees, listening to their concerns and assuring them that he would address their issues if elected in the upcoming elections.
Waheed highlighted the plight of more than 65,000 daily-rated, temporary, casual, seasonal, local fund, contractual teachers, contractual lecturers, contractual college-level assistant professors, contingency-paid, and other workers. He pledged to advocate for their cause in the Parliament of India and press the government to prioritise their regularisation by implementing a comprehensive job policy for them.
Parra urged for a uniform and fair regularisation and wage policy, ensuring time-bound regularization and wages above the national floor level. He called on the government to provide adequate job security and address the uncertainties surrounding contractual employment.
The PDP leader pledged to tirelessly advocate for their cause in Parliament and ensure a more secure and equitable working environment if elected.
