Srinagar, Sep 24: Peoples Democratic Party MLA from Pulwama Waheed Ur Rehman Para on Thursday called for the rising cancer burden in Jammu and Kashmir to be treated as a health emergency, urging the government to adopt a coordinated, multi-departmental response similar to the approach followed during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Speaking to reporters, Para said cancer was placing a growing medical, economic and emotional burden on families across Jammu and Kashmir. He called for greater focus on prevention, early detection, treatment, public awareness and scientific research into factors contributing to the disease.

Para claimed that around 70,000 cancer cases had been reported in J&K over the past five years, including around 15,000 cases this year. He also cited Dagripora village in Pulwama, where he said 10 people had died of cancer, while stressing that the reasons behind the reported increase need to be scientifically established. 

He raised concerns about food and drinking-water practices and the possible misuse of pesticides, but said no particular factor should be treated as the cause without scientific evidence. He urged various departments and institutions to work together to assess environmental and agricultural risks and strengthen cancer prevention and treatment.

The concerns come amid government data showing that 32,425 cancer cases were recorded in Jammu and Kashmir over three years. The government informed the Assembly in February that 25,621 cases were reported in the Kashmir division during 2022 to 2024, while 6,804 cases were recorded in the Jammu division during 2023 to 2025. 

During Thursday's Assembly proceedings, Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmad Dar also informed the House that the government was strengthening regulation of pesticides. He said 5,772 pesticide samples were tested during 2025-26, of which 85 were found substandard. During 2026-27, 1,658 samples had been tested so far, with 66 found substandard. 

Dar said the government had taken enforcement action, including prosecutions, FIRs and licence cancellations or suspensions. He also said 32 highly toxic pesticide formulations had been banned or restricted in J&K. A comprehensive scientific study involving the Agriculture, Health, SKIMS, SMHS and SKUAST institutions was suggested to assess pesticide exposure, residue levels, usage patterns and related health data. 

Separately, Para has also raised concerns in the Assembly over restrictions on civilian movement along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway in south Kashmir. He said locals are frequently stopped during security convoy movements, the Amarnath Yatra and the tourist season, sometimes for 10 to 15 minutes. 

Para urged the government to take up the matter with the Centre, security agencies, CRPF and the Unified Command, while maintaining that security requirements should be balanced with the need to minimise disruption to civilian movement. 

National Conference MLA Abdul Majid Larmi supported the concern, saying students, patients and other commuters face difficulties because of highway stoppages. He urged the Assembly to consider sending a recommendation to the Centre, particularly to ensure that patients and children are not unnecessarily delayed. 

The two issues, cancer care and civilian movement, have emerged during the ongoing autumn session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, where legislators have been raising concerns over healthcare, public infrastructure and issues affecting daily life across the Union Territory.