People’s Democratic Party legislator Waheed Para has submitted a bill in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly to tackle the psychological trauma from decades of violence. The legislation aims to establish a framework for healing and rehabilitation. The budget session begins on February 2 in Jammu.
Waheed Para, a legislator from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has introduced the Jammu and Kashmir Reconciliation, Trauma Healing and Dignity Bill, 2026, to the Assembly Secretariat. This bill recognizes the “public health crisis of psychological trauma, emotional distress, and social harm” resulting from decades of violence and conflict in the region.
The legislation seeks to provide a statutory framework for trauma healing, psychosocial rehabilitation, restorative dialogue, and reconciliation, aligning with the right to life with dignity under Article 21. As stated in the bill, “Jammu & Kashmir has witnessed decades of violence and social disruption that have left a lasting impact on public mental health and social cohesion. While there has been a decline in violence since 2019, psychological distress and trauma continue to affect individuals and communities.”
Para emphasized the humanitarian aspect, telling The Indian Express, “People have suffered in the last two decades and there’s so much pain and unhealed wounds with those who are affected by violence irrespective of ideology and sides. This needs to be addressed as a humanitarian crisis. Mental health today is a silent pandemic that is ignored.”
The bill promotes a “humane, non-political, and evidence-based approach” to ensure sustainable peace through healing. It proposes implementation via the Health Department’s public health institutions and community programs, including professionally facilitated dialogues to foster empathy and understanding. An initial budget of Rs 50 crore is requested for rollout.
This initiative comes as the J&K Assembly’s budget session starts on February 2 in Jammu, highlighting ongoing efforts to address conflict-induced trauma.
