Srinagar: Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Sunday said all political parties in Jammu and Kashmir should unite to compel the Centre to initiate dialogue with the people and political parties to address the issues of the Union Territory.
Drawing parallels with Ladakh, the Apni Party president said political unity there had compelled the Centre to engage in talks over the aspirations of the region.
“Taking a cue from Ladakh, all political parties must unite to compel the Centre to initiate a dialogue with the people and political parties to address the issues of Jammu and Kashmir,” Bukhari said.
He said the Centre should initiate talks to resolve the genuine grievances and issues of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, adding that the Apni Party would support any such effort.
Bukhari was addressing a workers’ convention at Virdhi Farm, Rajpur Kohlar, Birpur in Samba, organised by Vishal Naraina.
The Apni Party chief also demanded immediate Urban Local Bodies and Panchayat elections in Jammu and Kashmir, saying these were essential for strengthening grassroots democracy.
Criticising the ruling dispensation, Bukhari alleged that people were misled during the 2024 Assembly elections through promises that remained unfulfilled.
Taking a dig at Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, he questioned the status of promises related to 200 units of free electricity, one lakh jobs, regularisation of daily wagers, free LPG cylinders and additional ration quota.
“These were all lies meant to allure and mislead voters,” he said.
Bukhari also criticised the Central Government’s Industrial Development Package for Jammu and Kashmir announced in 2021.
He alleged that a major share of subsidies under the ₹28,400 crore package had gone to industrialists from outside Jammu and Kashmir and claimed the initiative had failed to generate meaningful employment opportunities for local youth.
