Media Biggest Casualty In J&K: Parra

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Jammu- PDP MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra on Wednesday raised serious concerns over press freedom in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the media has been the biggest casualty in the region. He advocated for scrapping the media policy in Jammu and Kashmir calling it a tool to suppress free speech in the erstwhile state.”

“Media was the biggest casualty in Jammu and Kashmir. The transition in the state began with censorship and a communication blockade, effectively snatching away our voices,” Parra said in the Assembly.

He further criticized the J&K government's media policy, calling it an attempt to control information rather than regulate journalism.“The current media policy does not need a review; it needs to be completely scrapped. It is a tool of censorship meant to establish a state-controlled press,” he asserted.

Parra also raised the issue of the Srinagar Press Club's closure, highlighting the deployment of a police station inside the club and two senior officers in Press Colony. He argued that this move was not about security but a calculated attempt to police the media and suppress independent voices.

“The message was clear: the closure of the Press Club was an attempt to silence journalists and prevent independent reporting in Jammu and Kashmir,” Parra stated.“By placing police inside the Press Club, the government has tried to muzzle the media and suppress dissent.”

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Referring to the challenges faced by journalists in recent years, Parra recalled how the communication blockade had prevented Kashmiri reporters from publishing freely.“When we were all locked inside, the media could not write. And those in independent media who dared to report the truth faced consequences,” he said.

Parra urged the J&K government to take a stand for independent journalism by restoring the Srinagar Press Club and relocating the police station.“Restoring the Press Club is not just about reopening a building. It is about ensuring that independent journalism can survive in Jammu and Kashmir,” he stressed.

Parra also raised concerns over the allocation of funds for industrial development in Jammu and Kashmir. He pointed out that out of the ₹20,000 crore allocated for industrial estates over the past five years, 80% had been given to outsiders, leaving little for local entrepreneurs.“The J&K government has no industrial policy,” he said, urging the administration to prioritize the interests of local businesses.

On the issue of land laws, Parra expressed fear and insecurity among the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He called for a revision of the land laws, stating,“We are not here to justify the actions of the past five years.”

The PDP leader further highlighted discrepancies in the implementation of the housing scheme, particularly the allocation of land based on the 2018 survey. He criticized the commodification of water resources and opposed the privatization of electricity, calling for a one-time rehabilitation plan for affected communities. Parra demanded a transfer policy for Kashmiri Pandits appointed under the Prime Minister's Package, ensuring their safety and convenience. He urged the government to expedite compassionate appointments for families of deceased government employees. Furthermore, Parra questioned why J&K police personnel were not receiving hardship allowances similar to those given to central paramilitary forces and demanded the removal of such anomalies.

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