Jammu, 19-03-2025: PDP MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra on Wednesday voiced concerns over the state of press in Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that the media has become the “biggest casualty” in the region. Speaking in the Assembly, Parra called for the complete scrapping of the media policy in Jammu and Kashmir, describing it as a tool to suppress free speech and stifle independent journalism in the erstwhile state.
“The media has suffered immensely in Jammu and Kashmir. The transition in the region began with censorship and a communication blockade, effectively silencing our voices,” Parra said. He emphasized that the current media policy is not merely flawed but is fundamentally designed to control information rather than regulate journalism. “This policy does not need a review; it needs to be entirely scrapped. It is nothing but a tool of censorship aimed at establishing a state-controlled press,” he asserted.
Parra also highlighted the controversial closure of the Srinagar Press Club, pointing out that a police station had been set up inside the club premises and two senior officers were stationed in the Press Colony. He argued that these measures were not about ensuring security but were deliberate attempts to police the media and suppress independent voices.
“The message was clear: the closure of the Press Club was a calculated move to silence journalists and curb independent reporting in Jammu and Kashmir,” Parra stated. “By deploying police inside the Press Club, the government has tried to muzzle the media and suppress dissent.”
Reflecting on the challenges faced by journalists in recent years, Parra recalled how the communication blockade had severely restricted reporters from publishing freely. “When we were all confined during the blockade, the media was unable to function. Those in independent media who dared to report the truth faced dire consequences,” he said.
Parra urged the J&K government to take concrete steps to support 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 the survival of independent journalism in Jammu and Kashmir,” he stressed.
Beyond media freedom, Parra raised several other critical issues affecting Jammu and Kashmir. He criticized the allocation of funds for industrial development, noting that out of the ₹20,000 crore earmarked for industrial estates over the past five years, 80% had been allocated to outsiders, leaving little for local entrepreneurs. “The J&K government has no coherent industrial policy,” he said, urging the administration to prioritize the interests of local businesses and ensure equitable development.
On the issue of land laws, Parra expressed deep concern over the fear and insecurity among the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He called for a comprehensive revision of the land laws, stating, “We are not here to justify the actions of the past five years, but we must address the grievances of the people.”
Parra also highlighted discrepancies in the implementation of housing schemes, particularly the allocation of land based on the 2018 survey. He criticized the commodification of water resources and opposed the privatization of electricity, advocating for a one-time rehabilitation plan for affected communities.
The PDP leader also demanded a transfer policy for Kashmiri Pandits appointed under the Prime Minister’s Package, emphasizing the need to ensure their safety and convenience. He urged the government to expedite compassionate appointments for the families of deceased government employees, addressing long-pending grievances.
Additionally, Parra questioned the disparity in hardship allowances for J&K police personnel compared to central paramilitary forces. “Why are J&K police personnel not receiving the same hardship allowances as their counterparts in central forces? Such anomalies must be removed immediately,” he demanded.