SRINAGAR: Syed Muhammad Altaf Bukhari, president of the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party, on Friday accused the National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of misleading the public on critical issues, including the restoration of statehood and the abrogation of Article 370.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Bukhari made these remarks on the sidelines of a party induction event in Srinagar. He stated that individuals joining his party from the NC and PDP would not have to feel ashamed of their community identity, promising to address their issues and uphold their respect and dignity.
Addressing the reservation policy, the Apni Party chief advocated for job distribution based on population demographics within Jammu and Kashmir. “A population of 70 percent cannot have 30 percent jobs. A population of 70 percent can have 70 percent jobs,” Bukhari stated, emphasizing that residents of the Union Territory should receive employment opportunities aligned with regional demographic proportions.
Former minister Altaf Bukhari asserted that his criticism was directed not at any specific community but at the political entities that have governed the Union Territory for the past 75 years. He also questioned the Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) regarding their unfulfilled promises. “Where is 370, where is 35A, where is statehood? The PAGD that you made — there is dust in the eyes of the people,” he remarked.
Bukhari defended his party’s engagement with the central government and the Lieutenant Governor, asserting that they had prioritised youth-related concerns such as verification processes, amnesty, and passport issuance. He alleged that while his party worked to protect local land and jobs post-2019, other mainstream regional parties attempted to tarnish their image during elections, often labelling them as “agents of Delhi.” Bukhari called for transparency, stating, “The truth should come in front of us. Today, all those who targeted Apni Party are sitting there appealing to LG sir. We just want an answer.”
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The Chenab Times News Desk
