Srinagar: On the sixth foundation day of Apni Party, its chief, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, today extended greetings to party colleagues—leaders and dedicated workers—and urged New Delhi to initiate the necessary confidence-building measures (CBMs), including a meaningful dialogue with the people and constructive engagement with the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to help bridge the prevailing trust deficit.
Pertinently, the party has postponed the scheduled foundation day celebration programmes across J&K in view of the ongoing war in the Middle East.
In his special message, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said, “Today marks the 6th Foundation Day of Apni Party, which was established on March 8, 2020, at a time when the people of Jammu and Kashmir were passing through one of the most difficult phases in their history following the events of August 5, 2019. Not only had Jammu and Kashmir lost its special constitutional status and statehood, but it had also been bifurcated into two Union Territories. The people of J&K had also lost their exclusive rights over land and jobs in the region.
They were apprehensive about further demographic changes. Thousands of people were in jail, and the entire region was under a strict shutdown with communications cut off.”
He went on to say, “Unfortunately, regional political parties and their leaders chose to remain silent, thereby giving tacit consent to New Delhi’s actions of August 5. It was during those challenging times that we—a group of like-minded individuals, mostly former legislators and ministers—came together. We discussed the situation in depth, deliberated on our responsibilities, and ultimately decided to step forward and stand with the people of Jammu and Kashmir. That collective resolve led to the formation of Apni Party.”
“Soon after the formation of the party, we travelled to New Delhi and met the Hon’ble Prime Minister, the Hon’ble Union Home Minister, and other senior leaders of the Government of India. We strongly advocated that the people of Jammu and Kashmir must retain exclusive rights over their land and government jobs. We were able to persuade the central government to ensure these protections. We also succeeded in securing the release of thousands of detainees. These were among the first contributions of Apni Party to the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari added.
He further said, “In view of the ongoing war in the Middle East, we have postponed today’s scheduled programmes across Jammu and Kashmir. However, I take this opportunity to reaffirm my unwavering commitment to the people: Apni Party will continue to work tirelessly for sustained peace, durable prosperity, and equitable development across all regions of Jammu and Kashmir.”
Urging centre to initiate required CBMs, he said, “Today, I also reiterate my demand to the central government to initiate meaningful confidence-building measures, including dialogue with the people, and to actively engage the youth in order to bridge the trust deficit between Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of the country.”
“Since this day also coincides with International Women’s Day, I would like to reiterate Apni Party’s firm commitment to the social, economic, and educational empowerment of women in Jammu and Kashmir. The progress of our society remains incomplete without the empowerment and active participation of our women,” he added.
Greeting his colleagues on the party’s foundation day, Apni Party president said, “On this Foundation Day, I congratulate to all my party colleagues—our leaders and dedicated workers—whose tireless efforts and commitment are helping Apni Party earn increasing public support and trust with each passing day.”
