Srinagar: Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Thursday criticised the National Conference’s proposed protest at Jantar Mantar over the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, describing it as a “political drama” aimed at strengthening the ruling party rather than serving the people.
Addressing a workers’ meeting in Poonch, Bukhari alleged that the NC had failed to press for statehood over the past six years, including after forming the government in 2024 despite securing a substantial electoral mandate.
He said the restoration of statehood was a matter of “honour and dignity” for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, but maintained that it should be pursued through sustained dialogue and political engagement with the Centre rather than confrontation.
Bukhari also urged the Union government to raise a special police battalion by recruiting youth from border areas, including Poonch, Rajouri, Uri, Karnah and Samba, saying it would strengthen local security while providing employment opportunities.
He further sought the construction of a tunnel across the Pir Panjal and improved road connectivity between Poonch and Uri to ensure all-weather access and boost development in the region.
The Apni Party leader also criticised the government for not holding Panchayat and Urban Local Body elections, alleging that the delay was preventing the decentralisation of power and denying people representation at the grassroots level.
Speaking at the meeting, Apni Party senior vice-president Ghulam Hassan Mir called for the reconstruction of the historic Poonch-Uri and Poonch-Tangmarg roads, saying improved connectivity would help revive the historical and economic significance of the Pir Panjal region.
Provincial president Manjit Singh also addressed the gathering and highlighted what he described as the Apni Party’s role in safeguarding land and job rights for the people of Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A.
