Srinagar: Apni Party president Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, on Monday, urged the central government to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir before holding assembly elections here.
He emphasized that the statehood must be the same as it was before August 05, 2019. “Delhi-like statehood will not be acceptable to the Apni Party,” he said.
He also reiterated demand for the release of detainees and revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in J&K.
Bukhari also called for reinstating the gazetted holiday on July 13, commemorating the martyrs of 1931. He said that official commemoration of the martyrs’ day on July 13 should be allowed as it used to be earlier.
The Apni Party president also urged the government to fill the vacant posts in the government departments.
Bukhari made these demands today during a party meeting at the Apni Party headquarters in Srinagar. The meeting aimed to discuss party matters, pressing public issues, and outline future strategies, a party press release said.
Bukhari emphasized that the Apni Party is a regional party committed to serving and protecting the rights of the people. He said that the Apni Party is focused on a pro-people agenda and has no affiliations or alliances with any other political organizations.
Regarding the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, Bukhari stated, “To safeguard the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, it is essential to restore statehood even before conducting assembly elections. Therefore, I urge the central government to fulfill its commitment regarding the restoration of statehood to J&K prior to the elections.”
He emphasised that the “statehood for Jammu and Kashmir must be the same as it was before August 5, 2019. Any distortion to that statehood or any attempt to impose a Delhi-like statehood will not be acceptable to the Apni Party, and we will oppose it tooth and nail.”
Expressing displeasure over halting civilian traffic on highways to prioritize security forces and Amarnath pilgrims, Apni Party president said, “Disturbing reports indicate civilians are being stranded on highways for long periods to facilitate security forces and pilgrims. This injustice subjects common people to immense suffering during these hot summer days.
“We welcome the Amarnath Yatra and want the administration to provide all the required facilities for pilgrims to perform their religious pilgrimage. However, facilitating the yatris should not come at the cost of denying civilians their rights or subjecting them to sufferings.”
Advocating the release of detainees, Bukhari urged, “I request the government to release the detainees who have been detained for quite a long time. With the improved situation and efforts towards sustained peace, these individuals should be reunited with their families to resume normal lives.”
He also said that police verification for job applicants or passport seekers “should not be unduly delayed, causing unnecessary hardships to thousands of youngsters without just cause.”
Highlighting issues of unemployment and inflation, Bukhari urged the government to promptly fill vacant posts in government departments in accordance with laws and regulations as soon as possible so the up-trending unemployment rate is controlled.
Condemning the attempted demolition of a mosque in Kathua, Bukhari demanded that those responsible must face legal consequences. He emphasized, “The revenue records confirm the land belonged to Muslims even in 1930, and they built a mosque on it. Authorities must ensure such incidents do not recur.”
Bukhari also called for a reduction in electricity tariffs, noting the burden on low-income families due to recent increases in fees. He urged the government to provide relief to those affected.
