Kashmir – Assembly Bill Seeks Structured Trauma Healing After Years of Conflict
Kashmir – Acknowledging a measurable drop in militancy-related violence since the 2019 constitutional changes, Peoples Democratic Party legislator Waheed Ur Rehman Para has introduced a Private Member’s Bill in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly aimed at addressing the long-standing psychological and social impact of conflict in the Union Territory.
Bill tabled during Budget Session
The proposed law, titled the Jammu and Kashmir Reconciliation, Trauma Healing and Dignity Bill, 2026, has been formally submitted to the Assembly Secretariat for consideration during the ongoing Budget Session, which began this week in Jammu. The initiative seeks to provide institutional recognition to the mental and social harm endured by individuals and communities after decades of unrest.
Para stated that while the security situation has improved in recent years, the emotional and psychological consequences of prolonged instability continue to affect daily life across the region. He described the issue as a public health concern that requires a structured and compassionate policy response rather than ad hoc interventions.
Long conflict leaves deep mental health scars
Medical professionals working in the Valley have consistently warned that years of exposure to violence have had a lasting impact on public mental health. According to doctors, cases of anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and related conditions have increased steadily, reflecting both accumulated trauma and greater awareness among patients.
Hospitals and mental health institutions across Jammu and Kashmir are reporting a higher inflow of patients seeking psychological support. Facilities such as the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences at Government Medical College Srinagar, along with district-level health centres, are witnessing growing demand for counselling and psychiatric care.
Health experts note that the effects of trauma are not limited to individuals directly affected by violence but also extend to families and communities, influencing social relationships, trust in institutions, and overall well-being.
Framework focused on dignity and reconciliation
According to the text of the Bill, the proposed legislation aims to establish a statutory framework for trauma-informed care, psychosocial rehabilitation, restorative dialogue, and reconciliation. It links these objectives to the constitutional guarantee of the right to life with dignity under Article 21.
The draft law is designed to work alongside the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, using existing public health infrastructure to deliver services. It stresses that healing must occur at both individual and community levels to ensure long-term stability and social cohesion.
The Bill notes that various groups have borne the human cost of conflict in different ways, including local communities, displaced populations, and members of the security forces. It argues that a comprehensive approach is necessary to address these diverse experiences without discrimination.
Safeguards and non-political approach
The proposed legislation outlines clear guiding principles for all actions taken under its framework. These include respect for human dignity, compassion, informed consent, confidentiality, voluntariness, and cultural sensitivity. It explicitly distances itself from any punitive or political intent, emphasising that the process should remain humane and evidence-based.
The draft also underlines that every affected individual must be treated fairly and without bias, regardless of background or affiliation. By rejecting coercive measures, the Bill aims to build trust and encourage voluntary participation in healing and reconciliation programmes.
Funding and implementation plan
Para has suggested an initial allocation of Rs 50 crore from the Consolidated Fund of the Union Territory to support implementation. The funds would be used to strengthen mental health services, train specialised professionals, introduce community-based healing initiatives, and establish monitoring and administrative systems.
If taken up for debate and passage, the Bill would represent the first legislative effort in Jammu and Kashmir to formally acknowledge and address the psychological aftermath of more than three decades of conflict, marking a shift toward long-term recovery and social rebuilding.