Srinagar: Taking a dig at the elected government for its failures, misgovernance, and betrayal of public trust, Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Thursday said, “People had voted with great hopes and expectations in last year’s Assembly elections, but now, a year later, their hopes and dreams stand shattered as the ruling party has completely failed to provide effective governance or fulfil the promises it made before the polls.”
Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari made this remark at a crowded press conference today at the party headquarters in Srinagar. He was flanked by party stalwarts. The press conference was held soon after the party conducted its core group meeting to discuss Jammu and Kashmir’s current political scenario, certain party matters, and pressing public issues. In this crucial meeting, the leadership decided that party would contest the upcoming by-elections in Budgam and Nagrota.
Addressing the press Conference, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said, “A year has passed since a government was elected here. People had voted with great hope and enthusiasm to choose their representatives. They had eagerly awaited this opportunity for five long years. However, a year later, people’s hopes and expectations from this elected government stand shattered. This government has failed the people on every front. We see no sign of governance here, except for the escorts accompanying government leaders as they rush through the streets.”
“It is utterly shocking that the working season is about to end, yet this government has released a mere 30 to 35 percent of the funds and spent only 10 to 20 percent of them,” he added.
Apni Party leader also took a pointed dig at the BJP, saying, “Unfortunately, the BJP, which is ruling the country, has also treated J&K in a stepmotherly manner. The people of J&K will never forgive this party for the confusion and misgovernance it has caused here. This disappointment is not limited to the Valley; even the people of Jammu, who gave the BJP a resounding mandate, now feel betrayed—their hopes too have been shattered.”
He further said, “All the parties whose candidates were elected in last year’s polls have done nothing for the people, except indulge in mudslinging against each other. Had these parties and their elected candidates delivered anything, the detainees would not have remained in jail continuously.”
“Apni Party had made a sincere promise that, if elected, it would announce a general amnesty to the prisoners. Unfortunately, the people chose not to entrust us with their mandate. I do not regret our party losing the election, but I am truly saddened that, had we been elected, we could have achieved much for the public good, fulfilling the commitments, which we had outlined in our poll manifesto.,” he added.
Urging Union government to engage with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Mr Bukhari said, “It is sad that despite the Hon’ble Prime Minister and Hon’ble Home Minister promising that their government would engage with the people, especially the youth in J&K, no such initiative has been taken so far. I urge the Centre to initiate meaningful engagement without further delay. Jammu and Kashmir is not like Bihar or Delhi; this is a sensitive region bordering hostile neighbors. I strongly appeal for a sincere and sustained dialogue with the people here.”
Furthermore, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari urged the regional political parties to unite in putting pressure on New Delhi for the restoration of statehood to J&K.
He said, “I appeal to all parties to unite and take up the issue of statehood with the Centre jointly. Can’t we reach a consensus on such an important issue?”
Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari also urged the administration to provide immediate relief and compensation to the sufferers associated with the horticulture industry, which suffered a major setback due to this year’s weather calamities.
He expressed his concern over the arrests and the invocation of PSAs on individuals in the Valley, urging that such practices must stop and emphasising that no one should be harassed on the basis of their past affiliations. He also appealed to the youth to contribute to maintaining peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir and cautioned them against falling prey to provocation by any political entity.
