Srinagar, Dec 2 (NationPress) Waheed ur Rehman Para, an MLA representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the judiciary on Tuesday for granting him permission to travel outside the Union Territory within India.

Para emphasized that the judiciary instills hope in the populace, stating on platform X, "After enduring a challenging five-year legal struggle, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court has permitted me to travel outside Jammu and Kashmir. During times when my family was in need and facing loss, I could only wait and feel a sense of helplessness that leaves an indelible mark."

"One truly understands the essence of freedom only when it has been stripped away, and one empathizes more deeply with others' suffering when they have borne that burden themselves," he added.

"Throughout these years of darkness, the judiciary has been a beacon of hope. Today, I extend my gratitude to the Jammu and Kashmir High Court for restoring this small yet significant aspect of my freedom."

Para also acknowledged @ShariqJReyaz for his unwavering support and strong legal representation.

A division bench of the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court approved the PDP leader's request to travel outside the Union Territory on Tuesday.

Facing accusations in a terror conspiracy case, Para was granted bail by a division bench of the High Court in May 2022, contingent upon a surety of Rs 1 lakh, mandated to report to the Investigating Officer when necessary, surrender his passport, and refrain from leaving Jammu and Kashmir without prior court approval.

On Tuesday, the bench, comprising Justice Vinod Chatterji Koul and Justice Sanjeev Kumar, allowed him to travel across the country after notifying the trial court.

Advocate Shariq J Reyaz argued that as an MLA, Para needed to frequently travel outside the Union Territory for official duties, and the bail condition imposed considerable hardship on him.

The court opined, "In the interest of justice, we believe it is appropriate to modify this condition."

Para was apprehended by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in November 2020 for alleged support of the terror group Hizbul Mujahideen.

Though he secured bail in January 2021, he was arrested again by the Jammu and Kashmir Police before he could exit the jail.

While granting him bail in 2022, the High Court noted that the evidence presented by the investigating agency was insufficient to be considered credible at face value.

"The petitioner (Para) is permitted to leave Jammu and Kashmir and travel within the country, provided he informs the trial court of his location and the purpose of his visit," stated the Court in its two-page ruling.

As of late November 2025, a Special NIA Court in Jammu had reserved its order on Para's plea for a permanent travel allowance outside the Union Territory.

Currently out on bail, Para remains restricted from leaving Jammu and Kashmir without prior consent from the trial court, a stipulation that was set by the High Court in May 2022.

He recently submitted a request to the Special NIA Court in Jammu, asserting that permanent travel clearance is crucial for fulfilling his responsibilities as an MLA for the Pulwama constituency and for engaging with Central government bodies on developmental initiatives.

The State Investigation Agency (SIA) and the NIA opposed his request, citing national security threats, flight risk, and the severity of the allegations against him under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The Special NIA Court has heard arguments from both sides and has reserved its judgment.

Previously, various courts denied his applications for unrestricted travel permissions, although he was granted temporary travel on humanitarian grounds in April 2023 to escort his ailing father for cancer treatment in Mumbai.

With the recent ruling from the High Court's division bench, Para is no longer required to await the trial court's judgment on this matter, which had been pending.