BANDIPORA: Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Friday said his party aims to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s “lost dignity, status and respect” and provide a better future for the youth.
Addressing a workers’ convention in Hajin, Sonawari, Bukhari alleged that the youth of Jammu and Kashmir face insecurity, unemployment and a lack of opportunities. He also criticised the National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accusing both parties of changing their political positions over the years and failing to address people’s concerns.
Referring to the 2024 Assembly elections, Bukhari said the Apni Party did not make promises it could not fulfil and maintained that the resolution of Jammu and Kashmir’s issues lies through engagement with the Union Government. He also reiterated his appeal to the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister to initiate meaningful dialogue with the people, particularly the youth, to address their concerns.
According to a party statement, Bukhari said the Apni Party would seek to increase the domicile eligibility period from the existing 15 years to 50 years if it came to power. He also said the party would work to restore the rights of local communities traditionally dependent on manual extraction of minerals from rivers.
The Apni Party president also raised local issues affecting Hajin and adjoining areas, urging the administration to improve drinking water supply, electricity and healthcare infrastructure.
Senior Vice President Ghulam Hassan Mir accused the government of failing to fulfil its promises on employment and governance. He alleged that no significant initiatives had been taken to generate jobs over the past two years and criticised the delay in holding Urban Local Body (ULB) and Panchayat elections, claiming it had deprived people of grassroots democratic representation.
Provincial President Mohammad Ashraf Mir also addressed the convention and criticised parties that have governed Jammu and Kashmir over the years, alleging they had failed to fulfil their responsibilities towards the people.
The convention was attended by several senior leaders and office-bearers of the Apni Party.
