Kashmir, custody, and the cost of politics | Waheed Parra explains

In this episode of Frontline Conversations, Waheed Parra, MLA from Pulwama, speaks candidly about incarceration, surveillance, and the personal cost of stringent security laws in Jammu and Kashmir. Drawing from his own experience under the UAPA, Parra reflects on how the legal process itself becomes punishment, reshaping lives, families, and political faith. He discusses custodial humiliation, the erosion of trust in institutions, and what prolonged detention does to the psyche of young Kashmiris who seek a normal life within the constitutional framework. He also talks about the politics of mainstream participation, the PDP–BJP alliance, electoral reversals, and why Kashmir’s conflict cannot be reduced to statistics of “peace” and “normalcy.” Highlights: The personal and political cost of UAPA and prolonged legal battles Life inside custody and the culture of indignity in detention Why Kashmir’s youth face surveillance even within mainstream politics The PDP–BJP alliance: intent, miscalculation, and fallout Reservation, merit, and fears of structural disempowerment in Jammu and Kashmir Why conflict leaves long-term trauma beyond elections and headlines Kashmir politics after Article 370 Civil liberties, UAPA, and criminal justice in India Mainstream politics, detention, and democratic backsliding Youth, representation, and reservation debates in Jammu and Kashmir India’s security state and its social consequences Perfect for viewers interested in: Credits: Host: Gowhar Geelani Camera: Adil Abass, Idrees Abbas, and M Mukaram Editing: Razal Pareed Producers: Kavya Pradeep M and Mridula Vijayarangakumar Originally published on December 18, 2025 Subscribe to Frontline: https://frontline.thehindu.com/online... Follow us on: Facebook - / frontlineindia Twitter - / frontline_india Instagram - / frontline.magazine LinkedIn - / frontline-magazine-b12921295