SRINAGAR, Aug 23: Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, President of the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP), on Sunday alleged that the National Conference (NC) government has consistently deprived Srinagar residents of their fundamental social, political, and economic rights, despite receiving consistent support from the city’s population.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Bukhari made these assertions while addressing a public gathering at Brain Nishat in Srinagar. The event was primarily organised to welcome prominent political and social figure Amir Bhat and his associates, who were previously affiliated with the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), into the Apni Party fold. During the meeting, Bukhari announced Amir Bhat as the party’s candidate for the Khanyar constituency in Srinagar, pledging the Apni Party’s full backing for his endeavors to serve the local populace.
Bukhari highlighted a spectrum of pressing issues confronting the residents of Srinagar, including inadequate housing, with multiple families often residing together in cramped conditions. He also pointed to a deficit in employment opportunities, contributing to the unemployment of educated youth and diminishing prospects for a better future. The Apni Party President underscored that these challenges persist despite the city’s historical support for the National Conference, asserting that the ruling party has failed to address the basic necessities and aspirations of Srinagar’s citizens during its decades in power.
The Apni Party, Bukhari stated, is dedicated to enhancing the living standards of Srinagar residents by ensuring access to adequate housing, sustainable employment, and robust public infrastructure. The party’s commitment lies in addressing the fundamental needs of the people and fostering an environment that promotes dignified and prosperous lives.
During his address, Bukhari drew attention to specific public concerns in the Brain Nishat area, noting the absence of a round-the-clock healthcare facility and the lack of a local marriage hall, among other infrastructure deficiencies that reflect a broader neglect of public amenities.
He emphasized the crucial role of young leaders like Amir Bhat in shaping a positive future for Srinagar and its people. Bukhari lamented Srinagar’s chronic neglect, even by those who have held power for extended periods, and called for committed young leaders to spearhead the city’s development and restoration to its rightful prominence.
The Apni Party chief expressed dismay over the continued shortage of essential amenities, including safe drinking water, in various parts of Srinagar. He reiterated the struggles faced by residents concerning employment, housing, and essential public infrastructure, questioning the outcome of the electoral mandate given to the ruling party across all eight constituencies in the city.
Bukhari challenged the incumbent government to demonstrate its efficacy through concrete actions and the fulfillment of electoral promises. He specifically questioned the government’s progress on pledges made during the 2024 Assembly election campaign, including the promise of one lakh jobs for unemployed youth, the provision of additional ration quotas, and free LPG cylinders, as well as the regularization of daily wagers.
He directly addressed Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, urging him to either deliver on commitments and address public concerns or step down from his position. Bukhari also questioned the government’s perceived reluctance to address issues such as the release of detainees and the restoration of other rights, suggesting an undue fear of New Delhi.
Strongly opposing a recent increase in power tariffs, Bukhari recalled the ruling party’s electoral promise of 200 units of free electricity per household. He criticized the government for adding to the financial strain of citizens by hiking power tariffs, particularly impacting families struggling to afford basic necessities like medicines.
Bukhari demanded that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also holds the Power portfolio, immediately withdraw the order concerning the power tariff hike. He appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to initiate meaningful dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir to understand and address their grievances and concerns, urging the fulfillment of his commitment to engage with the region’s youth.
Reflecting on historical political dynamics, Bukhari stated that New Delhi, regardless of the ruling party in power, has historically undermined the interests of Jammu and Kashmir. He criticized both the Congress and other parties for their roles in taking the Kashmir issue to the UN while allegedly compromising the region’s rights through political maneuvering.
He stressed that New Delhi must acknowledge the necessity of restoring the rights of Jammu and Kashmir’s people to ensure lasting peace, normalcy, and stability. Bukhari asserted that the demands of the people of Jammu and Kashmir are not unreasonable; they seek constitutional rights guaranteed to all citizens, emphasizing their status as equal citizens of the country.
Mohammad Syed Akhoon, Vice President of the Apni Party, echoed sentiments of public discontent, attributing it to the government’s failure to address pressing issues. He recounted his experience within the National Conference, where he had cautioned against the feasibility of electoral promises, leading to his expulsion from the party.
Mohammad Ashraf Mir, Provincial President of the Apni Party, reiterated that the development and prosperity of Srinagar are central to the party’s agenda, envisioning a city with enhanced infrastructure, opportunities, and a dignified quality of life. He urged the youth to join the Apni Party to support its developmental agenda and encouraged party workers to maintain close contact with the populace to effectively address their grievances.
The Chenab Times News Desk