PDP MLA Waheed Parra Proposes Landmark Reconciliation Bill for Jammu and Kashmir
Srinagar: In a significant legislative move, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) MLA Waheed Parra has formally submitted a notice to introduce the "Jammu and Kashmir Reconciliation, Trauma Healing and Dignity Bill" during the upcoming budget session of the legislature, which commences on Monday. This pioneering legislation aims to comprehensively address the deep-seated psychological and emotional scars resulting from decades of violence, armed conflict, and political instability that have profoundly affected diverse communities across the Union Territory.
Addressing Collective Trauma Across Communities
The proposed bill explicitly recognizes that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have endured prolonged periods of:
- Widespread violence and terrorism
- Armed conflict and political instability
- Social disruption and displacement
- Psychological trauma and emotional distress
- Erosion of public trust and social fragmentation
According to the bill's text, these cumulative experiences have created intergenerational harm that requires systematic intervention. The legislation warns that unaddressed psychological trauma risks perpetuating destructive cycles of fear, mistrust, anger, and continued social division.
Healing as a Humanitarian Priority
MLA Waheed Parra emphasized that the proposed legislation represents a fundamental shift in approach. "The bill seeks to bring healing into focus as a central priority," Parra stated. "The objective is to restore dignity as a humane act, not to use it as a tactical or political tool."
Parra further contextualized the timing of this initiative, noting that following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a measurable decline in violent incidents. This relative calm, according to the legislator, creates a critical opportunity to consolidate peace through what he described as "humane, preventive and forward-looking measures."
Comprehensive Approach to Reconciliation
The legislation takes an inclusive approach by acknowledging the suffering experienced by multiple groups:
- Kashmiri Muslims who have faced conflict-related trauma
- Kashmiri Pandits who experienced displacement and loss
- Members of security forces who have operated in challenging circumstances
By addressing the needs of all affected communities, the bill aims to foster genuine reconciliation and create foundations for sustainable peace. The proposed framework suggests that without proper attention to psychological healing and dignity restoration, the region risks remaining trapped in patterns of conflict and division.
The introduction of this bill during the budget session represents one of the first comprehensive legislative attempts to formally address the psychological dimensions of Jammu and Kashmir's complex history, potentially setting a precedent for similar initiatives in other conflict-affected regions.
