Srinagar, Apr 30 (RNA): 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.
With the escalating instances of harassment and discrimination faced by Kashmiri students in recent years, Parra emphasised the urgent need for proactive measures to safeguard their well-being. He vowed to champion their cause and work tirelessly to create a conducive environment where they can pursue their education without fear or intimidation.
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.
Waheed Parra reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to championing the rights and well-being of Kashmiri students, pledging to be a relentless advocate for their cause if entrusted with the responsibility of representing them in Parliament. He emphasised that he would eradicate the identity crisis of Kashmiri students studying outside the valley if elected.
The biggest challenge for our students who are pursuing their studies outside the valley is that they are being looked upon differently because of their Kashmiri identity. "I will vouch for an eradication of this identity crisis of our students," he added.
Parra asserted, "It's time for real representation, not spectral spectacles. Kashmiri students should vote wisely, they must vote for those who are determined to serve Kashmiris better, rather than those who are driven by the avarice of power. I promise Kashmiris to never let them down and will stand wherever they need me, if elected and voted to power, Parra added.
Parra pointed out the party president Mehbooba Mufti's stand and commitment regarding Kashmiri students. She has been standing firm and raising Kashmiri issues from Kashmir to Delhi. If anybody has spoken vigorously in the past 5 years, it was only Mehbooba, be it on UAPA or harassment of students in Punjab, UP, or Karnataka.
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).