Srinagar: Apni Party president, Altaf Bukhari, met Prime Minister, Narendra Modi in New Delhi, Sunday evening and presented a memorandum highlighting the pressing demands of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
According to a statement issued here the meeting that lasted almost for an hour was held in a very cordial atmosphere. Bukhari expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for tackling the COVID pandemic and initiating a comprehensive vaccination drive in the country.
He also submitted a memorandum to PM Modi highlighting some key demands including restoration of statehood, youth employment policy, restoration of 4G internet and return of Kashmiri Pandits besides tackling issues pertaining to highway and rising airfare.
Altaf Bukhari, the head of the party, thanked PM for what he termed as ‘fulfilling many points raised in earlier meeting’ and added that there were some critical issues discussed during previous meeting for the socio-economic and political empowerment of JK which mush see the light of the day. “I would once again like to reiterate and request for your consideration on the same,” the memorandum reads.
Regarding restoration of Statehood, Bukhari said that “this is the first and foremost demand of the people of Jammu and Kashmir who are eagerly waiting for its fulfillment. Statehood is a reference to the glorious past and a privilege for solidification of the idea of pluralism and respectful coexistence in Jammu & Kashmir like any other State in our country,”the memorandum quoted Bukhari as saying.
He also raised concerns and asked the PM to address issues including employment policy for youth of J&K, restoration of 4G in all the areas of J&K and sought ‘honorable return of Kashmiri Pandits.’
Besides, Bukhari also added that the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was a source of perpetual distress for the people of the region especially during winters and sought the Government of India to focus on the inter-regional connectivity across Jammu and Kashmir.
Bukhari also sought restoration of age relaxation for Jammu &Kashmir’s UPSC aspirants, construction of bunkers for people living near firing range on LOC besides other issues. (With inputs from KNS)
