The Jammu and Kashmir Home Department has appointed a special public prosecutor for the long-standing UAPA case against PDP legislator Waheed Para. Para has slammed the move, claiming legal delays are being used as a tool of harassment.

Key Takeaways

  • Abdul Rashid Dar has been appointed as the Special Public Prosecutor for the FIR against Waheed Para.
  • The case involves charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) from 2020.
  • MLA Waheed Para alleges that the judicial process is being intentionally prolonged to act as a form of punishment.

In a significant administrative move, the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, has ordered the appointment of a special public prosecutor exclusively for a single case. The J&K Home Department issued a notification appointing Abdul Rashid Dar to prosecute the six-year-old FIR registered against Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and legislator Waheed Para.

Historical Background

The case dates back to November 2020, when Para, then the PDP youth president, was detained by Counter Intelligence (CI) Kashmir. He was booked under the stringent UAPA for alleged involvement in providing funds to militants and sustaining separatist networks. Interestingly, while incarcerated, Para won a seat in the District Development Council (DDC) polls from Pulwama, though he faced hurdles in taking his oath.

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Legal Battle and Political Resilience

After spending over 18 months in jail, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court granted Para bail in May 2022, citing insufficient evidence. This decision was later upheld by the Supreme Court. Despite the legal battles, Para has maintained his political relevance, recently securing a victory in the October 2024 Assembly elections.

"Under UAPA, procedures are becoming punishment. I have been attending court for four years and hardly eight witnesses have appeared." - Waheed Para

Why This Matters: BozokMedia Analysis

BozokMedia analysis shows that the appointment of a dedicated prosecutor for one specific individual highlights the high-stakes nature of this litigation. This move suggests a concentrated effort by the administration to expedite or strengthen the prosecution's stance, which further intensifies the debate over the use of anti-terror laws against political figures in the region.

Did You Know?: The UAPA is one of India's most powerful legislations, allowing for extended detention periods compared to standard criminal laws.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the specific charges against Waheed Para?
He faces charges under various sections of the UAPA and IPC related to conspiracy and alleged support for unlawful activities.

2. Who is the newly appointed special prosecutor?
Abdul Rashid Dar, an Additional Public Prosecutor from the NIA court in Srinagar, has been appointed.