Waheed Para Explained

Office:Member of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly
Office2:Secretary Jammu and Kashmir State Sports Council
Termend2:July 2018
Termstart2:July 2016
Birth Place:Naira, Pulwama
Party:Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party
Constituency:Pulwama
Term Start:8 October 2024
Office1:Youth Wing President, Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party
Termstart1:2013
Alma Mater:Boston University, Islamic University of Science & Technology
Education:Masters in IR (Peace & Conflict Studies)
Birth Date:24 September 1988

Waheed ur Rehman Para (وحید اررحمان پارہ) is an Indian politician of Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Party and member of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly (MLA) representing Pulwama constituency.[1] [2] He is also the legislative party leader of the Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Party in J&K assembly.[3] [4] [5]

Born and raised in Naira village of South Kashmir's Pulwama district, he joined the Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Party in 2013 and was subsequently appointed its youth wing president.[6] In the following years, he served as the political analyst to then J&K CM Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in 2015[7] and as secretary J&K Sports Council.[8]

Para contested the 2024 Indian general election from the Srinagar Parliamentary Constituency as a candidate of the PDP securing the runner up position with 1 lakh 68 thousand votes.[9] [10] [11]

He was arrested by National Investigation Agency on 25 November 2020 for alleged terror links,[12] [13] and was again rearrested by J&K Police after receiving bail from Special NIA Court.[14] [15] Waheed was released on bail by the Jammu and Kashmir High Court in May 2022,[16] [17] [18] and was also selected as the inaugural Yale Peace Fellow at Yale University’s International Leadership Center in 2023.[19] [20]

Political career

Waheed had been informally associated with Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Party since 2002 but formally joined the party in 2013 and was subsequently appointed the Youth Wing President of the party.[6]

Under then J&K CM Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, he served as his political analyst, and was later appointed the Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir State Sports Council from July 2016 to 2018.[21] He took part in 2015 UNCCC, held in Paris, as a special representative from the state of J&K In 2018.[22] Waheed had also survived an attack on his life after terrorists closely fired at his vehicle in Central Kashmir's Budgam district.[23] [24] [25]

Following arrest by the National Investigation Agency,[26] [27] he won the DDC Elections, 2020 from Pulwama constituency while being under custody.[28] [29] [30] [31] After remaining incarcerated at Srinagar's central jail for over 17 months, he was released after the Jammu and Kashmir High Court granted him bail and observed "The evidence as is gathered by the prosecution is too sketchy to be believed prima facie true, that too, with a view to deny bail to the appellant."[32]

Waheed has been an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) fellow, and was amongst a couple of politicians invited by the U.S Government from India for the program. Para had also been invited for the Australia-India Youth Dialogue (AIYD) 2019, which is a track-two young leaders’ dialogue held every alternate year, but owing to his detention following 5 August 2019 was not allowed to attend the conference.[33] [34] Para contested the 2024 Indian general election from the Srinagar Parliamentary Constituency as a candidate of the PDP securing 1 lakh 68 thousand votes.[35] [36] [37] [38] [39] Waheed won the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections from Pulwama constituency, defeating his opponent with over 8 thousand votes and currently serves as the member of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly (MLA) representing Pulwama.[40] [1] [41]

Waheed became the first elected legislator from Jammu and Kashmir to introduce a resolution to condemen whatever was done on 5 August 2019 and oppose the revocation of J&K's special status (Article 370) with other constitutional gurantees through the J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019 on the first day of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly's session at Srinagar. The resolution called for, "restoration of special status and all constitutional guarantees granted to Jammu and Kashmir in their original, pristine form"[42] [43]

He also became the youngest legislative party head in J&K Assembly at the age 36, after being appointed the same of the Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Party on 14th November 2024.[44] [45]

Detention

Waheed was first arrested on 4 August 2019, as the Government of India moved to abrogate Article 370. Like other mainstream political leaders in the region, Parra was initially detained at the SKICC and the MLA's hostel in Srinagar, before being placed under house arrest.[46] [47] [48]

On 26 November 2020, two days after filing his nomination papers for the District Development Council (DDC) elections, Parra was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Despite being in custody, he went on to win the DDC elections in 2020.[49] [50] [51] [52] Shortly after being granted bail by the Special NIA Court in Jammu, Parra was re-arrested by the Jammu and Kashmir Police.[50] [53]

During his detention, he was reportedly subjected to harsh interrogation conditions, including being kept in freezing temperatures. Allegations of abusive interrogations lasting up to 12 hours surfaced, with Parra being questioned about his participation in a virtual meeting with United Nations Security Council members, where he had raised concerns regarding the Government of India’s actions in Jammu and Kashmir, its treatment of Muslim minorities, and border tensions with China.[54] [55] [56]

In July 2021, five Special Rapporteurs of the United Nations sought an official reply from the Government of India on reports of torture meted out to him. The report highlighted serious accusations, including the claim that "Para had been held in a dark underground cell at subzero temperatures, deprived of sleep, and subjected to physical abuse, including being kicked, slapped, beaten with rods, and hung upside down. His alleged ill-treatment was documented, and he was reportedly required to meet with medical professionals due to the severity of the torture."[57] [58] [59]

Waheed was eventually shifted to Srinagar's Central Jail, where he remained incarcerated for over 17 months. His release came after the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh granted him bail, stating that the evidence presented by the prosecution was "too sketchy" to justify his continued detention.[60] [61] [62] Despite being granted bail, he was disallowed to accompany his cancer hit father for treatment outside Jammu and Kashmir alongside not being allowed to also accompany his 8 year old nephew for treatment at AIIMS Delhi in 2023 - 2024 after repeated pleas, both of whom expired in month's time from each other.[63] [64] [65]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Kaul . Sumir . 2024-10-08 . Pulwama erupts in joy as PDP's Waheed Para holds victory rally . 2024-10-08 . ThePrint . en-US.
  2. Web site: 2024-10-08 . Pulwama, J&K Assembly Election Results 2024 Highlights: JKPDP's Waheed Ur Rehman Para defeats JKNC's Mohammad Khalil Band with 8148 votes . 2024-10-08 . India Today . en.
  3. Web site: 2024-11-14 . PDP appoints Dr Mehboob Beg as party's chief spokesperson . 2024-11-14 . Greater Kashmir . en-US.
  4. Web site: Press Trust Of India . 2024-11-14 . www.ptinews.com.
  5. News: Ashiq . Peerzada . 2024-11-14 . PDP’s Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra, 36, becomes youngest legislative party head in J&K Assembly . 2024-11-15 . The Hindu . en-IN . 0971-751X.
  6. Web site: Raafi . Muhammad . 2015-05-17 . Now, PDP Nominates Wahid Youth President, Formally . 2024-02-02 . Kashmir Life . en-GB . 14 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221014152758/https://kashmirlife.net/now-pdp-nominates-wahid-youth-president-formally-79084/ . live .
  7. Web site: Raafi . Muhammad . 2015-06-26 . PDP's Youth President Appointed Political Analyst in CM's Office . 2024-02-02 . Kashmir Life . en-GB . 2 February 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240202141553/https://kashmirlife.net/pdps-youth-president-appointed-political-analyst-in-cms-office-81337/ . live .
  8. Web site: Network . KL News . 2018-06-22 . Waheed Para resigns as Secretary Sports Council . 2024-02-02 . Kashmir Life . en-GB . 2 February 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240202153933/https://kashmirlife.net/waheed-para-resigns-as-secretary-sports-council-178321/ . live .
  9. News: 2024-06-05 . Srinagar election results 2024 live updates: JKNC's Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi wins with over 1.8 lakh votes . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240606022845/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jammu/srinagar-election-results-2024-jammu-kashmir-srinagar-lok-sabha-elections-poll-result-updates-aga-syed-ruhullah-mehdi-jkn-waheed-ur-rehman-para-jkpdp/articleshow/110640350.cms . 6 June 2024 . 2024-07-04 . The Times of India . 0971-8257.
  10. Web site: Hussain . Ashiq . 2024-06-05 . Mega win for Aga Ruhullah Mehdi as Srinagar reposes faith in NC . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240606022846/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/mega-win-foe-aga-ruhullah-mehdi-as-srinagar-reposes-faith-in-nc-101717541974858.html . 6 June 2024 . 6 June 2024 . Hindustan Times.
  11. Web site: 2024-05-14 . 'Kashmir Needs A Huge Amnesty Programme For Everyone To Reclaim Their Lives': Waheed Para . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240518042339/https://www.outlookindia.com/elections/kashmir-needs-a-huge-amnesty-programme-for-everyone-to-reclaim-their-lives-waheed-para . 18 May 2024 . 2024-05-18 . Outlook India . en.
  12. News: Singh . Peerzada Ashiq & Vijaita . 2020-11-25 . NIA arrests PDP youth leader Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra for alleged links to the Hizbul Mujahideen . 2024-02-02 . The Hindu . en-IN . 0971-751X . 2 February 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240202141552/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pdp-youth-wing-leader-parra-arrested-by-nia-in-connection-with-terror-case/article33178819.ece . live .
  13. News: Ashiq . Peerzada . 2021-06-01 . PDP's Parra arrested, faced abusive interrogations: UN rights body . 2024-02-02 . The Hindu . en-IN . 0971-751X . 2 February 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240202150916/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/un-rights-group-seeks-centres-response-on-arrest-of-pdp-youth-leader-waheed-para/article61813619.ece . live .
  14. Web site: PTI . 2021-01-11 . PDP youth wing president Waheed Para arrested again over case on alleged terror nexus . 2024-02-02 . ThePrint . en-US . 2 February 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240202141552/https://theprint.in/india/pdp-youth-wing-president-waheed-para-arrested-again-over-case-on-alleged-terror-nexus/583459/ . live .
  15. Web site: Arrested, Denied Bail And Allegedly Tortured: The Story Of A Kashmiri Politician Who Had No Problem Being Indian . 2024-02-02 . article-14.com . 1 November 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231101054437/http://article-14.com/post/arrested-denied-bail-and-allegedly-tortured-the-story-of-a-kashmiri-politician-who-had-no-problem-being-indian--610b52ba2c1c2 . live .
  16. Web site: 2022-05-25 . J&K HC Grants Bail to PDP Leader Waheed Para; Mehbooba, Lone Hail Decision . 2024-02-02 . NewsClick . en.
  17. Web site: 2022-05-25 . Kashmir: J&K High Court grants bail to PDP leader Waheed Para . 2024-02-02 . The Indian Express . en . 2 February 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240202141552/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/srinagar/kashmir-jk-high-court-bail-pdp-waheed-para-7936020/ . live .
  18. Web site: KNS . 2022-05-25 . After nearly 2 years Waheed Parra granted bail by High Court . 2024-02-02 . KNS . en-GB . 2 February 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240202141552/https://www.knskashmir.com/after-nearly-2-years-waheed-parra-granted-bail-by-high-court-140901 . live .
  19. News: Bureau . The Hindu . 2023-04-19 . Jailed under UAPA,Yale University selects PDP leader Parra for International Leadership Center . 2024-02-02 . The Hindu . en-IN . 0971-751X . 2 February 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240202153933/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/jailed-under-uapayale-university-selects-pdp-leader-parra-for-international-leadership-center/article66755518.ece . live .
  20. Web site: Network . KL News . 2023-04-19 . Waheed Para Is Yale University Peace Fellow 2023 . 2024-02-02 . Kashmir Life . en-GB . 2 February 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240202153933/https://kashmirlife.net/waheed-para-is-yale-university-peace-fellow-2023-315420/ . live .
  21. Web site: Youth PDP President Waheed Para is New Secretary J&K Sports Council . 2024-02-02 . www.crosstownnews.in . 2 February 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240202150141/https://www.crosstownnews.in/post/5110/youth-pdp-president-waheed-para-is-new-secretary-jk-sports-council.html . live .
  22. Web site: Raafi . Muhammad . 2015-12-09 . In France, PDP's Para Discusses Climate Change Effects on Kashmir . 2024-02-03 . Kashmir Life . en-GB . 3 February 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240203113524/https://kashmirlife.net/in-france-pdps-para-discusses-climate-change-effects-on-kashmir-91560/ . live .
  23. Web site: 2018-08-14 . Unknown gunmen carried attack on PDP's Waheed Para . 2024-02-02 . Only Kashmir . en-US . 2 February 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240202150140/https://www.onlykashmir.in/20914/unknown-gunmen-carried-attack-on-pdps-waheed-para/ . live .
  24. Web site: 2018-08-15 . J-K: PDP youth president shot at in Budgam . 2024-02-02 . The Indian Express . en . 2 February 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240202150140/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/j-k-pdp-youth-president-waheed-para-shot-at-in-budgam-5307263/ . live .
  25. Web site: PDP Youth President Says He Was Shot At By Suspected Terrorists . 2024-02-02 . NDTV.com . 18 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221018112158/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pdp-youth-president-waheed-para-says-he-was-shot-at-by-suspected-terrorists-1900497 . live .
  26. News: Tripathi . Rahul . 2020-11-25 . J&K: Ahead of first phase of DDC polls, NIA arrests PDP youth wing's Waheed Ur Rehman Para . 2024-02-03 . The Economic Times . 0013-0389 . 3 February 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240203113948/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/jk-ahead-of-first-phase-of-ddc-polls-nia-arrests-pdp-youth-wings-waheed-ur-rehman-para/articleshow/79413461.cms . live .
  27. News: 2021-01-11 . PDP youth wing president Waheed Para arrested again . 2024-02-03 . The Times of India . 0971-8257 . 3 February 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240203113948/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pdp-youth-wing-president-waheed-para-arrested-again/articleshow/80214917.cms . live .
  28. News: 2020-12-22 . Jailed PDP youth leader Waheed Para wins DDC election . 2024-02-02 . The Economic Times . 0013-0389 . 18 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221018114512/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/jailed-pdp-youth-leader-waheed-para-wins-ddc-election/articleshow/79859356.cms?from=mdr . live .
  29. Web site: Javaid . Azaan . 2020-12-22 . PDP youth leader Waheed Para, arrested under UAPA, wins J&K DDC poll from Pulwama . 2024-02-02 . ThePrint . en-US . 2 February 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240202150139/https://theprint.in/politics/pdp-youth-leader-waheed-para-arrested-under-uapa-wins-jk-ddc-poll-from-pulwama/571738/ . live .
  30. Web site: Jailed PDP Leader, Gupkar Alliance Candidate Waheed Para Wins J&K Local Polls . 2024-02-02 . NDTV.com . 14 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221014153024/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/jailed-pdp-leader-gupkar-alliance-candidate-waheed-para-wins-j-k-local-polls-2342072 . live .
  31. Web site: 2020-12-22 . J&K DDC election results: Waheed-Ur-Rehman Para, jailed PDP leader, wins; 'couldn't be prouder', says Mehbooba Mufti . 2024-02-02 . Moneycontrol . en . 2 February 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240202150139/https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/j-couldnt-be-prouder-says-mehbooba-mufti-6258751.html . live .
  32. Web site: 2022-02-04 . Kashmiri leaders demand Waheed Para's release . 2024-02-02 . Hindustan Times . en . 19 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221019000136/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/kashmiri-leaders-demand-waheed-para-s-release-101643916803206.html . live .
  33. Web site: Detained PDP Leader Unable to Attend Australia-India Youth Dialogue . 2024-07-11 . The Wire . en.
  34. Web site: Sharma . Yashraj . Despite prison, torture, this Kashmiri politician won’t give up on India . 2024-09-20 . Al Jazeera . en.
  35. Web site: Press Trust Of India . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240518041328/https://www.ptinews.com/story/national/pdp-s-waheed-para-says-some-j-k-admin-officials-trying-to-manipulate-polls-demands-free-elections/1496847 . 18 May 2024 . 2024-05-18 . www.ptinews.com.
  36. Web site: Excelsior . Daily . 2024-05-13 . Lok Sabha Polls PDP Candidate Waheed Para Makes Big Claim, Says Violence In J&K "Reduced In Last 5 Years" . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240518042555/https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/lok-sabha-polls-pdp-candidate-waheed-para-makes-big-claim-says-violence-in-jk-reduced-in-last-5-years/ . 18 May 2024 . 2024-05-18 . Daily Excelsior . en-US.
  37. Web site: 2024-05-07 . 'Chance to break your silence without fear': In Srinagar, PDP youth leader strikes a chord . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240518041326/https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/srinagar-pdp-waheed-para-campaign-9314203/ . 18 May 2024 . 2024-05-18 . The Indian Express . en.
  38. Web site: Banerjee . Sanhati . 2024-04-21 . 'The election is an opportunity to end silence in Kashmir': Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240518042338/https://frontline.thehindu.com/politics/interview-waheed-ur-rehman-parra-lok-sabha-election-2024-pdp-srinagar-opportunity-to-end-silence-in-kashmir/article68087592.ece . 18 May 2024 . 2024-05-18 . Frontline . en.
  39. Web site: Kumar . Raju . 2024-05-16 . Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency: PDP candidate Waheed Para booked for violating Model Code of Conduct . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240518042805/https://www.indiatvnews.com/jammu-and-kashmir/lok-sabha-elections-2024-srinagar-constituency-pdp-candidate-waheed-para-booked-for-violating-model-code-of-conduct-2024-05-16-931753 . 18 May 2024 . 2024-05-18 . www.indiatvnews.com . en.
  40. Web site: 2024-10-08 . Pulwama Assembly Election Results 2024 LIVE: PDP gets huge boost! Waheed Para wins old guard vs new guard battle . 2024-10-08 . Business Today . en.
  41. Web site: 2024-10-08 . Pulwama, J&K Assembly Election Results 2024 Highlights: JKPDP's Waheed Ur Rehman Para defeats JKNC's Mohammad Khalil Band with 8148 votes . 2024-10-08 . India Today . en.
  42. Web site: 2024-11-04 . Chaos in J&K Assembly 1st session over resolution against Article 370 abrogation . 2024-11-04 . India Today . en.
  43. News: 2024-11-04 . PDP's Waheed Para moves resolution against abrogation of Article 370 in JK Assembly . 2024-11-04 . The Economic Times . 0013-0389.
  44. News: Ashiq . Peerzada . 2024-11-14 . PDP’s Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra, 36, becomes youngest legislative party head in J&K Assembly . 2024-11-15 . The Hindu . en-IN . 0971-751X.
  45. Web site: 2024-11-14 . J&K: PDP appoints Waheed Parra as legislative party leader . 2024-11-15 . The Indian Express . en.
  46. Web site: 2019-11-07 . J&K: Detained leaders may be moved, admin billed over Rs 3 crore . 2024-10-11 . The Indian Express . en.
  47. Web site: Javaid . Azaan . 2019-11-17 . Angry Kashmiri politicians confront cops after security personnel ‘body search’ Sajad Lone . 2024-10-11 . ThePrint . en-US.
  48. Web site: J&K Leaders Sajjad Lone, Waheed Para Put Under House Arrest After Release . 2024-10-11 . NDTV.com.
  49. News: Tripathi . Rahul . 2020-11-25 . J&K: Ahead of first phase of DDC polls, NIA arrests PDP youth wing's Waheed Ur Rehman Para . 2024-10-11 . The Economic Times . 0013-0389.
  50. Web site: Quint . The . 2021-01-11 . Arrested After Bail, PDP Leader Waheed Para Remanded to Custody . 2024-10-11 . TheQuint . en.
  51. News: 2020-12-22 . Jailed PDP youth leader Waheed Para wins DDC election . 2024-10-11 . The Economic Times . 0013-0389.
  52. Web site: Javaid . Azaan . 2020-12-22 . PDP youth leader Waheed Para, arrested under UAPA, wins J&K DDC poll from Pulwama . 2024-10-11 . ThePrint . en-US.
  53. Web site: Network . KL News . 2020-12-30 . CIK Raids Waheed Parra’s Residence, Other Places In South Kashmir . 2024-10-11 . Kashmir Life . en-GB.
  54. Web site: UN experts concerned over rights abuses in Kashmir . 2024-10-11 . www.aa.com.tr.
  55. Web site: After 18 Months Of Humiliation, Trauma In Jail, J&K’s Waheed Parra Is Still A Unionist & A Candidate For Parliament . 2024-10-11 . article-14.com.
  56. Web site: PTI . 2021-02-03 . Arrested PDP leader Waheed Para being tortured to admit to false charges, alleges Mehbooba . 2024-10-11 . ThePrint . en-US.
  57. News: Ashiq . Peerzada . 2021-06-01 . PDP’s Parra arrested, faced abusive interrogations: UN rights body . 2024-10-11 . The Hindu . en-IN . 0971-751X.
  58. Web site: Devadas . David . 2021-06-07 . UN Eyes on Kashmir: Is Waheed Para Being Punished for Speaking Up? . 2024-10-11 . TheQuint . en.
  59. Web site: Fareed . Rifat . UN experts say Kashmir leader ‘stripped naked, hung upside down’ . 2024-10-11 . Al Jazeera . en.
  60. News: Ashiq . Peerzada . 2022-05-25 . PDP’s Parra gets bail, Jammu and Kashmir parties welcome court order . 2024-10-11 . The Hindu . en-IN . 0971-751X.
  61. Web site: 2022-05-25 . Kashmir: J&K High Court grants bail to PDP leader Waheed Para . 2024-10-11 . The Indian Express . en.
  62. Web site: Bharat . E. T. V. . 2022-05-25 . PDP leader Waheed-ur-Rehman Para gets bail in militancy case . 2024-10-11 . ETV Bharat News . en.
  63. Web site: Bench . Bar & . 2023-09-30 . Srinagar court refuses to permit PDP leader Waheed Para to travel out of J&K for a year for ailing father’s treatment . 2024-10-11 . Bar and Bench - Indian Legal news . en.
  64. News: Bureau . The Hindu . 2023-09-29 . Court denies permission to PDP leader Parra to accompany ailing father outside J&K . 2024-10-11 . The Hindu . en-IN . 0971-751X.
  65. Web site: 2024-01-16 . PDP leader Waheed Para seeks travel permission to visit ailing nephew in Delhi; NIA objects . 2024-10-11 . The Indian Express . en.

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