Will Prioritize Safety of Kashmiri Students Facing Harassment Outside Valley if Voted to Power: Waheed Parra

Srinagar, April 30: PDP youth president and parliamentary candidate for Central Kashmir, Waheed Ur Rehman Parra, here on Tuesday said that he would create mechanisms for Kashmiri students studying across the country who face harassment on a daily basis and would address their issues if voted to power.

Parra has pledged unwavering support for the welfare of Kashmiri students studying across India, promising to address the heightened harassment they have endured in recent years. He articulated his commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Kashmiri students if elected.

Parra said that he would create mechanisms with different state governments, law enforcement agencies, and civil societies to address the issues of Kashmiri students so that they feel secure, safe, and protected. He pointed out that for the past five years, there have been three MPs from Kashmir who hold power, privilege, and funds and have direct access to state and central governments. However, they turned a deaf ear when approached by students. Instead, students had to approach MPs from Punjab, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra to redress issues, and harassment, and raise their issues in parliament.

Expressing concern over the challenges encountered by Kashmiri students, Parra underscored the importance of fostering inclusivity and promoting a culture of acceptance and tolerance. He reiterated his dedication to addressing the root causes of discrimination and ensuring that every Kashmiri student feels valued and respected within the educational institutions they attend.

In outlining his vision for Kashmiri student welfare, Parra outlined several key initiatives he plans to pursue if elected to power. These include establishing dedicated support mechanisms to address cases of harassment and discrimination, advocating for the implementation of robust policies to protect the rights of Kashmiri students, and fostering dialogue and collaboration between student communities to promote understanding.

Parra emphasized the need for proactive engagement with relevant stakeholders, including educational institutions, government agencies, and civil society organizations, to develop holistic solutions that address the multifaceted challenges faced by Kashmiri students.

Parra added that we must unite this time, and Kashmiri students must vote in large numbers for those who will fight for their cause in the highest legislative body of the nation. We promise you that we have stood firm in the past, irrespective of whether you supported or voted for us. We will continue to do that from "Sadak to Sadan" (from the streets to the parliament).