Srinagar: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Friday urged the central government to introduce reciprocal Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs) to reinforce the prevailing peace and normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a workers’ convention at Gulzarpora in Rawalpora, Srinagar, Bukhari said that while the people of the region have played a crucial role in sustaining a peaceful atmosphere, it is now incumbent upon the Government of India to respond with supportive measures. “People have ensured a peaceful environment in Jammu and Kashmir. It is now the responsibility of the Centre to come up with reciprocal CBMs to strengthen this peace and normalcy,” he said.
He demanded the release of detainees, except those facing charges in heinous crimes, and questioned the continued incarceration of political leaders and youth. “How long will our leaders and youth remain jailed? All detainees, except those involved in serious crimes, must be freed,” he said, adding that arbitrary arrests and indiscriminate filing of FIRs should be stopped.
Taking a sharp dig at traditional political parties, Bukhari accused them of repeatedly misleading the public through false promises and emotional rhetoric. He also questioned voters for continuing to support such parties. “Despite knowing these parties deceive you repeatedly, why do you allow them to exploit you every election?” he asked.
He further targeted the ruling establishment, raising questions about unfulfilled electoral promises, including employment generation, regularisation of daily wagers, free electricity, enhanced ration quotas, and provision of free gas cylinders. “This ruling party made numerous promises during its election campaign. What has happened to those promises? Where are the one lakh jobs they pledged, and why have commitments like regularisation of daily wagers and free electricity not been fulfilled?” he said.
Referring to reports about the removal of “working knowledge of Urdu” as a requirement for posts like Naib Tehsildar and Patwari, Bukhari asked Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to clarify the government’s position. “I urge the Chief Minister to come clean on whether the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board has dropped Urdu as the official language and medium for revenue records and certain exams,” he said, adding that while incorporating Hindi as an optional language is acceptable, removing Urdu would not be tolerated. “Urdu is one of our official languages and is cherished across communities. Any attempt to undermine it will not be acceptable,” he added.
The Apni Party chief also called for simplifying police verification processes for job aspirants and passport applicants, stressing that youth should not face unnecessary hurdles while seeking opportunities abroad. “Passports should be issued without undue delays so that our youth can pursue better livelihood opportunities overseas,” he said.
Reiterating his opposition to the current reservation system, Bukhari termed it “unjust,” alleging that a majority of the population is left with a disproportionately small share of jobs. “How long will 70 percent of the population receive only 30 percent of the jobs? This system has to go,” he said. He added that many residents of Srinagar, particularly those from economically weaker backgrounds, are not adequately covered under existing categories, pointing to visible poverty and lack of proper housing in several localities. He urged people to stand up for the rights of their children and future generations.
Bukhari also raised concerns over alleged irregularities in recruitment processes, citing an interaction with students from Kashmir University. He claimed that an official linked to a past recruitment scandal involving bribery and paper leaks had been rewarded with a senior position instead of being penalised. “This reflects the state of affairs in Jammu and Kashmir,” he remarked.
