SRINAGAR: Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Saturday urged the withdrawal of cases registered against young individuals in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing that their reintegration into society is a fundamental prerequisite for establishing enduring peace and stability in the Union Territory.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Bukhari articulated these views while interacting with reporters on the sidelines of his party’s Independence Day observance. The event, held at the Apni Party headquarters on M2 Church Lane in Srinagar, saw Bukhari hoist the national flag.
Bukhari highlighted the instances of young people and elders being summoned to or detained at police stations on Independence Day. He stated that these individuals should have been afforded the opportunity to participate in the national celebrations. He stressed that these individuals are an intrinsic part of the community and require integration to resume their normal lives with their families.
The Apni Party chief reiterated his stance that the resolution of cases against the youth is essential for fostering trust and addressing deep-seated social divisions. He proposed that the withdrawal of these cases could be subject to conditions, such as requiring beneficiaries to maintain a clean record without any fresh complaints for a period of five years. Bukhari asserted that offering the youth a second chance is vital for healing societal wounds, rebuilding confidence, and creating a pathway towards a peaceful and stable Jammu and Kashmir.
In a related development, Bukhari welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative to provide free online coaching for competitive examinations. He noted that this program is expected to alleviate the financial strain on families belonging to the economically weaker and middle-class sections. He urged the administration in Jammu and Kashmir to implement a similar waiver of examination fees for recruitment and selection processes conducted by its various agencies, suggesting that the associated expenditures could be funded from the Union Territory’s education budget.
Furthermore, Bukhari called for the provision of adequate compensation and support for individuals who have incurred losses due to recent natural calamities across Jammu and Kashmir. He expressed sorrow over the plight of victims and sufferers grappling with their losses, emphasizing the government’s responsibility to ensure comprehensive assistance for those affected. Bukhari suggested that the government should explore mechanisms to involve the public in relief operations, proposing that the region’s traditional Zakat system could be redirected to aid families impacted by disasters. He underscored the importance of societal solidarity during times of tragedy, asserting that no family affected by a natural disaster should endure hardship in isolation.
The Independence Day ceremony at the Apni Party premises was attended by senior party leaders and members. The event concluded with patriotic slogans and celebrations following the flag-hoisting by Bukhari.
The Chenab Times News Desk