SRINAGAR: The Apni Party on Monday appealed to authorities to refrain from harassing young people in Jammu and Kashmir and permit them to freely participate in upcoming Independence Day celebrations, asserting that the region’s youth have endured significant hardships.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari stated that even individuals who may have been involved in past activities have suffered sufficiently and should be granted opportunities to progress towards a peaceful and dignified existence. Bukhari made these remarks to reporters on the sidelines of a party workers’ convention held in Wailoo Tangmarg.
Addressing concerns regarding potential security threats in anticipation of Independence Day, Bukhari acknowledged the necessity of continued vigilance, recognizing the possibility of attempts to disrupt the prevailing peace. He emphasized that adversaries would invariably seek to undermine the current calm, but asserted that such efforts could be thwarted through collective vigilance and resolve.
Regarding the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, Bukhari affirmed the Apni Party’s ongoing engagement strategy with New Delhi. He recalled a similar approach adopted in 2020, which aimed to safeguard the rights of Jammu and Kashmir’s residents over land and employment opportunities.
Commenting on the protracted delay in holding Panchayat and Urban Local Bodies elections, Bukhari suggested that polls are unlikely to materialize while the National Conference remains in power. He articulated his belief that the government exhibits a reluctance to empower grassroots governance and ensure accountability of those in positions of authority.
During the workers’ convention, Bukhari accused traditional political factions of diverting public attention through reciprocal accusations rather than addressing pressing issues impacting the populace. He also voiced criticism concerning the administration’s alleged failure to fulfill electoral promises.
Bukhari highlighted that the ruling party had pledged one lakh jobs, free electricity and gas cylinders, additional ration supplies, regularization of daily wagers, and an increase in old-age pensions. He contended that these commitments have not been met despite the party securing a substantial mandate.
He urged the public to bolster support for the Apni Party, reiterating its commitment to safeguarding their rights. Bukhari also claimed that the party played a role in influencing New Delhi in 2020 to implement a domicile law that included a residency requirement for Jammu and Kashmir.
Bukhari further stated that, with public backing, the Apni Party would advocate for extending the current 15-year residency requirement for domicile status to 50 years and seek constitutional guarantees for this provision. He also asserted that the party would pursue increased domicile quotas for local residents in jobs.
Speaking at the same convention, Apni Party Senior Vice President Ghulam Hassan Mir called for the commencement of dialogue between the central government and the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He stressed the importance of such dialogue in addressing concerns and mitigating the trust deficit.
Mir implored the Centre not to test the patience of the people and instead engage in dialogue to understand and address their concerns, issues, and apprehensions. He deemed dialogue as essential for reinstating public confidence in the system.
Mir also directed criticism towards both the National Conference and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), suggesting that the latter has failed to present a viable alternative to the National Conference’s perceived dynastic politics. He positioned the Apni Party as an alternative to dynastic politics, promising opportunities based on talent and ability.
Mir stated that the Apni Party’s political approach does not lead individuals, particularly the youth, towards negativity. He further elaborated that the party rejects a political ideology that has tragically pushed the region’s youth towards despair and incarceration.
In a separate development during the convention, Bashir Ahmad Dar, a social and political figure from Pariswani Kunzer, formally joined the Apni Party. The convention was attended by numerous party officials and workers, including Provincial Secretary Beigh Aftab, Baramulla District President Shabir Ahmad Shah, Provincial Publicity Secretary Kashmir Aamir Rashid Wani, and former District Development Council (DDC) members from Tangmarg and Kunzer. The event was organized by Apni Party Block President Wailoo Mohammad Akbar.
The Chenab Times News Desk