Despite Torture and Imprisonment, This Kashmiri Politician Refuses to Give Up on India

Despite Torture and Imprisonment, This Kashmiri Politician Refuses to Give Up on India

Introduction

In the complex political landscape of Kashmir, Waheed-ur-Rehman Para stands as a unique figure. His unwavering belief in democracy, even after facing imprisonment and torture, makes him a symbol of resilience. As Kashmir prepares for its first regional elections in a decade, Para’s journey from a tortured prisoner to a candidate highlights his unshaken faith in Indian democracy, despite the tumultuous events in the region.

Waheed-ur-Rehman Para’s Imprisonment

In 2020, Waheed-ur-Rehman Para, then 33 years old, found himself imprisoned in a dark underground cell in New Delhi. Accused of aiding anti-India rebels, he was subjected to brutal torture — beaten with rods, stripped naked, and hung upside down. The conditions were so grim that Para, at his lowest, found solace in the etched names of previous prisoners on the walls, reminding him that he wasn’t alone in this suffering.

Para’s mind often wandered back to a brighter time in 2018, when he stood next to then-Home Minister Rajnath Singh, recognized as a youth icon of Indian democracy. But in that underground cell, his faith in the system was tested like never before.

Life in Pulwama

Pulwama, Para’s hometown, is known for its long history of anti-India rebellion. It’s a district that has been the epicenter of conflict in Indian-administered Kashmir, with frequent clashes between militants and security forces. Despite this, Para remained a popular pro-India leader, walking through its dusty streets, often recalling the happier days of his childhood in this very town.

Challenges During Imprisonment

Para’s time in prison wasn’t limited to his stint in New Delhi. He was transferred to a jail in Srinagar, the largest city in Kashmir, where he was held for nearly two years. The mental toll of these years was immense. He found himself questioning the very foundation of his life’s work, admitting that at times, he felt as if his whole life had been a lie.

Release and Ongoing Struggles

After almost two years of imprisonment, Para was released in May 2022. However, freedom came with its challenges. He found himself facing multiple court hearings, some relating to the charges under which he had been arrested, while others were tied to petitions allowing him to travel outside Kashmir. Despite these legal battles, Para was determined not to give up on his mission of reaffirming his faith in Indian democracy.

Kashmir’s First Elections in a Decade

September 18, 2023, marked the first phase of regional elections in Kashmir after nearly a decade. Waheed-ur-Rehman Para’s name was on the ballot, running as the youth president of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from Pulwama. This election was not just a personal milestone for Para but a symbol of his unwavering belief in the democratic process, even as trust between Kashmiris and the Indian government reached new lows.

Kashmir’s Loss of Autonomy

The revocation of Kashmir’s special autonomy in August 2019 sent shockwaves through the region. Article 370, which had guaranteed the region’s autonomy in the Indian Constitution, was unilaterally scrapped by New Delhi, leading to widespread unrest. For many Kashmiris, this move deepened the distrust in the Indian government, including for pro-India leaders like Para, whose own faith in democracy was shaken.

Para’s Determination to Fight for Democracy

Despite these setbacks, Para remained resolute. He rejected the idea of armed rebellion, a path that many in Kashmir had taken over the years. Instead, he argued that a Kashmiri’s duty was not to die for the region, but to live for it. His vision of democracy and reconciliation was clear — he wanted to build a future where Kashmiris could thrive under Indian democracy, not be buried by it.

Avenge Jail with Votes

For decades, mainstream political participation in Kashmir was marred by separatist calls to boycott elections. However, Para’s rallying cry, “Avenge jail with votes,” resonated with many Kashmiris who had once shunned the electoral process. The tension between armed rebellion and political participation was palpable, but Para’s message was simple: change must come from within, not through violence.

Para’s Arrest After Filing for Elections

Despite his determination to run in local elections, Para was arrested again in November 2020, just after filing his nomination for a district-level election. Accused of involvement in terrorism, Para was subjected to more imprisonment and torture, enduring long stretches of time in an underground cell. However, he won the election while still in jail, a testament to his popularity and the support he garnered from his people.

Challenges Faced by Pro-India Politicians in Kashmir

Pro-India politicians in Kashmir, like Para, have long faced an uphill battle. Convincing the local population to engage in democracy is no easy task, especially in a region where separatist sentiment has been so deeply ingrained. The rise of the BJP, with its Hindu nationalist agenda, further complicated matters for politicians like Para, who swore by the Indian Constitution but found themselves marginalized in their homeland.

Personal Struggles

During his imprisonment, Para’s personal life was deeply affected. His father, Ghulam Ahmad Para, passed away in January 2023 after battling cancer, and Para was barred from visiting him during his last days. The loss of his young nephew in February, while Para was still entangled in court hearings, further deepened his grief. Yet, through all of this, Para found solace in his work, helping other families facing similar struggles with India’s anti-terror and detention laws.

Para’s Faith in Indian Democracy

Despite the hardships he has faced, Para’s belief in Indian democracy remains intact. He makes a clear distinction between the idea of India and the BJP’s nationalist agenda. For him, India is about unity and patriotism, while the BJP’s vision represents a form of majoritarianism that threatens the diverse fabric of the nation.

Para’s Legacy in Kashmir’s Politics

As Waheed-ur-Rehman Para campaigns for the 2024 elections, his influence in Pulwama remains strong. His support base continues to grow, and his message of reconciliation is one that resonates with many Kashmiris. But with competitors from both his former party and the BJP, the upcoming elections will be a test of his political legacy.

Conclusion

Waheed-ur-Rehman Para’s journey is a testament to his resilience and belief in democracy. Despite facing torture, imprisonment, and immense personal loss, he remains committed to his vision for Kashmir — a vision rooted in peace, progress, and the idea of India. For Para, hope is not just an abstract ideal; it is the foundation of a future he is determined to build for Kashmir and its people.