Srinagar: In a major political event for the first time in over three decades, the Apni Party, on Sunday, organized a public meeting in the Warpora area of North Kashmir’s Sopore.
This region was a stronghold of the separatist movement for quite a long time, precisely after 1987. The event witnessed a remarkable turnout as a large number of residents thronged the venue and warmly welcomed the party president, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, and his accompanying leaders upon their arrival.
Addressing the occasion, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said, “We all know that the people in Sopore chose to remain disconnected from mainstream political parties for the last three decades, aligning themselves with a specific ideology. However, I pose a question: What tangible benefits has this isolation brought to the people in this region, apart from bringing misery and bloodshed? More importantly, how long can the people of this area sustain this isolation without further harming their interests and rights?”
Urging people not to remain excluded from the governance system and the democratic process any longer, he said, “The reality is that a prolonged period of violence and instability has brought only suffering and deprivation to the people here. Look at how this region suffers due to basic infrastructure deficits and a lack of development. We cannot deny the fact that to secure our civic rights and a fair share of development, we must be part of the system. By remaining outside the governance system and not participating in the process of choosing the right people as your representatives, you are depriving yourself of a say in the democratic process.”
Sharing his political views candidly, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said, “I do not mince words when I say that Jammu and Kashmir is destined to be a part of India, as chosen by the leadership in 1947. I say this even though New Delhi has, time and again, New Delhi has, at times, caused emotional distress and hurt our sentiments. But I believe that the solutions to our problems will also come from New Delhi, not from elsewhere.”
“Unfortunately, New Delhi has always promoted and endorsed dynastic leadership here, even during the 1987 elections, when those who were leading the movement here tried to bring about change through the ballot box. Eventually, we witnessed a long phase of violence in Jammu and Kashmir. I hope Delhi has realized that tampering with the public mandate was not the right thing to do,” he added.
Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari appealed to the people in Sopore to give the Apni Party a fair chance in the upcoming elections. He said, “Today, I promise you that the Apni Party will not disappoint you if you entrust us with your mandate to serve you.”
Regarding the economic potential of the Sopore region, he said, “The Almighty has bestowed tremendous potential for fruit crops in this region. Once upon a time, this region used to be called ‘Chota London’ (Mini London) because of its flourishing crops and prosperity. People here were well off due to its thriving orchards at that time. Later, the circumstances took a downturn for economic growth, and the area grappled with a lack of development and desirable prosperity.”
He promised that if the Apni Party forms the government in J&K, it will leave no stone unturned to ensure the revival of Sopore’s past glory. He stressed, “Today, with a lack of opportunities for our young generation and an increasing unemployment rate, we have no option but to rejuvenate our horticulture industry using modern and scientific methods. Only a strong economy will ensure a better future for our youth and the coming generations.”
Taking a dig at the opportunistic and deceptive politics of regional political parties, he said, “When Article 370 was revoked by the parliament, we had a bunch of members from parties like NC and PDP. Why didn’t they resist this move, or why didn’t they resign from the membership of the parliament to protest this devastating occurrence? Even (Ghulam Nabi) Azad Sahib, who now presents himself as a saviour of the rights of the J&K people, supported the abrogation as a leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha.”
Besides Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, Mohammad Dilawar Mir, and Rafi Ahmad Mir, the prominent party leaders who were present on the occasion included Javaid Hassan Baigh, Yawar Mir, Ghulam Mohammad War, Akhtar Rasool, Touseef Ahmad, Rayees Ahmad Kaloo, Bilal Ahmad, Mohammad Maqbool Sofi, Nazir Ahmad Naikoo, Ghulam Mohiuddin, and others.
