Srinagar: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Sunday criticised the government for what he termed as a failure to address rising unemployment in Jammu and Kashmir, accusing it of lacking a concrete policy or roadmap for job creation.
Bukhari made these remarks while addressing a workers’ convention in Pattan area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.
He alleged that the ruling party had misled people during the 2024 Assembly elections by promising one lakh jobs soon after assuming power.
“Where are those jobs? They have neither a plan nor a policy to address the grave issue of unemployment in J&K,” Bukhari said, adding that the youth continue to face hardships with limited employment opportunities.
He further said that while not everyone can be accommodated in government jobs, the administration must create alternative employment avenues instead of remaining “idle.”
Reiterating his demand for engagement between the Centre and the people of Jammu & Kashmir, Bukhari urged New Delhi to initiate dialogue and bridge the prevailing trust deficit.
“Whether or not New Delhi talks to Pakistan is not our issue, but it must talk to its own people—especially the youth—to address their pressing concerns,” he said.
He also called for the release of detainees, stating that several leaders and youth have remained behind bars for extended periods. He urged that those not facing serious charges be allowed to return to their families and resume normal life.
Highlighting the challenges faced by young people, Bukhari said unemployment, lack of opportunities, and even difficulties in obtaining passports for overseas work have contributed to widespread frustration.
He said the Centre must understand the ground realities and address people’s grievances, especially in the wake of the constitutional changes of August 5, which, he said, have been followed by unfulfilled expectations.
Bukhari also questioned the government over its electoral promises, including free electricity, cooking gas cylinders, enhanced ration quotas, and regularisation of daily wagers.
“Instead of relief, people are facing increased electricity charges. What happened to the promises made to them?” he asked.
Senior Vice President Ghulam Hassan Mir accused the government of deliberately delaying Panchayat and Urban Local Bodies (ULB) elections to avoid decentralisation of power.
“They do not want democracy to strengthen at the grassroots level because they are unwilling to share power with the people,” he said.
Mir also raised concerns over restrictions on traditional mineral extraction activities, stating that many families have historically depended on riverbed resources such as sand and gravel for their livelihood.
He said that while there were assurances from the Centre to allow Panchayats to regulate such activities, the absence of elected local bodies has hindered implementation.
Mir said the Apni Party remains committed to ensuring development, dignity, and a stable future for the youth of Jammu & Kashmir.
He added that the party will continue to raise public issues and hold the government accountable.
Other leaders, including Abdul Majeed Paddar and Yawar Dilawar Mir, also addressed the gathering, urging people to actively hold the government accountable and support efforts aimed at restoring rights and ensuring development.
