Waheed Para demands Human Rights Commission, calls JK budget ‘devoid of hope, healing’

Srinagar: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Legislative Party Leader and Pulwama MLA Waheed Ur Rehman Para on Monday criticised the recently presented Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory budget, calling it unoriginal and inadequate in addressing the region’s pressing issues.

Speaking in the Assembly, Para accused the government of excessive reliance on Centrally sponsored schemes while failing to introduce state-specific initiatives that could uplift the people of JK. He termed the budget a “missed opportunity” that offers neither hope nor healing to the people.

Para also questioned the lack of a distinct vision for Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the budget is merely a reallocation of Central funds without meaningful local planning. “Can the government point to even a single line in this budget that is truly their own?” he asked.

Referring to the recent killings in Kathua, Para demanded the establishment of a State Human Rights Commission, arguing that such an institution is necessary to address ongoing rights violations in the region.