Jammu, Mar 19: PDP MLA Waheed Para has expressed dissatisfaction over the assembly proceedings, alleging that important questions raised by the opposition were left unanswered.
“We know this is a Union Territory but many crucial questions related to promotions and key departments remain unanswered,” Para said. He added that despite submitting questions on time, the authorities claimed they did not receive them on time.
Para further said that while other legislators received responses, his group did not get answers to significant queries. “We are a group of three, and we get very little time to speak. Despite attending the sessions continuously and making repeated efforts, we are not given enough time. There are procedural issues, and the government seems to favor its own members,” he alleged.
Shifting focus to a series of incidents, Para alleged that a pattern was emerging in attacks in Kulgam and Kathua, where members of the Gujjar community were being targeted. “Similar incidents have taken place in Rajouri and Kulgam. These are mysterious deaths, and the government must come clean on them. It is the responsibility of both central and state governments to address the fear within the Gujjar community,” he said.
Para stressed the contributions of the Gujjars, stating that they have traditionally protected the environment and are now engaging in farming. “The people who have preserved the forests are being targeted. There seems to be a conspiracy behind this. We are not making allegations, but we want the government to address their concerns and those of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Responding to political accusations, Para urged people not to blame any single party. “Instead of blaming the BJP, talk to the National Conference and PDP,” he said.
He also raised a range of governance issues, including unemployment, jail conditions, passport verifications, media restrictions, and no-fly lists. “These are key issues, and we have tried to raise them all. It is now up to the government to respond. Our job is to highlight these concerns; addressing them is the government’s responsibility,” he added.
Reflecting on the first session of the assembly, Para acknowledged various constraints but hoped that all members would be given fair time to speak in the future.
