People’s Democratic Party (PDP) legislator Waheed Para has submitted a Bill that seeks to recognise and address the “public health crisis of psychological trauma, emotional distress, and social harm” caused by several decades of violence and conflict.
The Bill seeks to provide a “statutory framework for trauma healing, psychosocial rehabilitation, restorative dialogue, and reconciliation and to give effect to the right to life with dignity”.
Titled Jammu and Kashmir Reconciliation, Trauma Healing and Dignity Bill, 2026, the legislation has been submitted to the J&K Assembly Secretariat. The Budget Session of the Assembly starts on February 2 in Jammu.
“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, with implications for public health, trust in institutions, and long-term stability,” the Bill reads. “This Bill seeks to establish a statutory framework for trauma healing, psychosocial rehabilitation, and restorative dialogue through existing public health systems.”
Para told The Indian Express that the idea behind the Bill was to make “healing” a process and part of governance.
“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,” he said, adding, “This needs to be addressed as a humanitarian crisis. Mental health today is a silent pandemic that is ignored.”
Referring to those killed in the violence in the last five years, the Bill calls for healing to ensure sustainable peace in Jammu and Kashmir.
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“It (Bill) adopts a humane, non-political, and evidence-based approach, recognising that sustainable peace requires healing of individuals and communities,” the Bill reads. “Its vision is consistent with Constitutional values and within the legislative competence of the Union Territory.”
It says that if passed, the Act can be implemented through the Health Department’s existing public health institutions and community-based programmes.
The Bill has also sought “restorative dialogue”.
“Professionally facilitated dialogue may be undertaken to promote healing, empathy, and mutual understanding,” reads the Bill.
The Bill seeks an initial expenditure of Rs 50 crore for its implementation.
Bashaarat Masood is a Special Correspondent with The Indian Express. He has been covering Jammu and Kashmir, especially the conflict-ridden Kashmir valley, for two decades. Bashaarat joined The Indian Express after completing his Masters in Mass Communication and Journalism from the University in Kashmir. He has been writing on politics, conflict and development. Bashaarat was awarded with the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards in 2012 for his stories on the Pathribal fake encounter.
Expertise and Experience
Two Decades of Frontline Reporting: Bashaarat has spent 20 years documenting the evolution of Kashmir, from high-intensity conflict and political shifts to socio-economic development.
Award-Winning Investigative Journalism: He is a recipient of the prestigious Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award (2012). This honor was bestowed for his reporting on the Pathribal fake encounter, a series of stories that highlighted his ability to handle sensitive human rights and security issues with investigative rigor.
Specialized Beats: His authoritative coverage spans:
Political Transitions: Tracking the shift from statehood to Union Territory, electoral dynamics, and the pulse of local governance.
Security & Conflict: Providing nuanced reporting on counter-insurgency, civil liberties, and the impact of the conflict on the civilian population.
Development: Documenting the infrastructure, healthcare, and educational landscape within the Valley.
Academic Background: He holds a Masters in Mass Communication and Journalism from the University of Kashmir, providing him with a localized academic and professional foundation that is rare in regional reporting. ... Read More
