Half of Kashmiris suffering from mental distress, Para slams occupation regime
Srinagar: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader and MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Para has expressed serious concern over the authorities’ apathy towards the worsening mental health crisis in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
According to Kashmir Media Service, criticising the recently released vision document for ignoring psychosocial healing, Para, in a post on social media platform X, said that “Kashmir bleeds in silence,” citing alarming data showing that nearly 45 percent of youth in the territory are suffering from deep mental distress.
He said figures indicate that 41 percent of young people are affected by depression, 26 percent by anxiety disorders, while one in five individuals shows symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. He added that adults in Kashmir endure an average of 7.7 traumatic experiences in their lifetime.
The PDP legislator highlighted the overwhelming patient burden at the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS) Srinagar, which reportedly receives between 300 and 400 patients daily. He said the institute recorded more than 2.03 lakh outpatient department cases in 2024 alone, reflecting the scale of psychological suffering in the region.
“Despite this reality, today’s J&K vision document shows zero empathy,” Para said, accusing the authorities of prioritising law and order over humanitarian and social concerns. He stressed that occupied Jammu and Kashmir should not be viewed solely through a security lens, describing the situation as a humanitarian crisis requiring urgent attention to healing, reconciliation and dignity.
Para urged the authorities to shift its governance focus and make mental health a core policy priority. He also tagged the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir in his post, seeking immediate intervention.
The remarks come as Para prepares to introduce a private member’s Bill in the upcoming Budget Session of the Kashmir Assembly.
