Srinagar: Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Sunday said his party would press the Centre to restore the constitutional rights of Jammu and Kashmir while safeguarding the region’s demographic character and Muslim-majority status.
Addressing a workers’ convention in Bandipora, Bukhari said the resolution of Jammu and Kashmir’s issues lay with New Delhi and urged the Government of India to initiate a meaningful dialogue with the people of the region.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Dil aur Dilli ki Dooriyan” remark, Bukhari said the Centre should take steps to bridge the gap between New Delhi and the people of Jammu and Kashmir by addressing their concerns and grievances.
He also criticised the ruling National Conference (NC), accusing it of remaining silent on the demand for restoration of statehood over the past six years, including after assuming office in 2024. He alleged that the party had failed to protect Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional rights over the decades.
Highlighting issues concerning Bandipora district, Bukhari demanded the construction of the Gurez Tunnel to provide all-weather connectivity to Gurez Valley and called for the construction of the Bandipora-Sogam road. He also sought improved healthcare and educational infrastructure, provision of basic amenities in tribal villages, promotion of tourism and protection of Wular Lake.
Raising the issue of mining, Bukhari alleged that local people had been deprived of their traditional rights while outsiders had been allowed to extract mining material from rivers. He said local communities should receive their rightful share in mining activities.
Expressing concern over unemployment, he said the government should create more job opportunities for youth, claiming that rising unemployment was contributing to the growing drug menace.
Bukhari also accused the National Conference of failing to fulfil promises made during the 2024 Assembly election campaign, including commitments on free electricity, LPG cylinders, ration and employment.
Speaking on the occasion, Apni Party’s provincial president for Kashmir, Mohammad Ashraf Mir, urged party workers to strengthen public outreach and remain actively engaged with people at the grassroots level.
Meanwhile, Sameer Iqbal, a youth leader from the National Conference in Kuloosa, Bandipora, joined the Apni Party along with his associates and supporters during the convention.
Several senior party leaders, including chief spokesperson and state secretary Muntazir Mohiuddin, district president Bandipora Syed Shafat Qazmi, provincial secretary Mohammad Saleem Lone and other office-bearers, were present at the event, which was organised by the party’s Bandipora unit.
