SRINAGAR: Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Tuesday said Jammu and Kashmir was passing through a critical phase and described the developments of August 2019 as a major setback for the region.
Bukhari made the remarks while addressing a gathering at the party headquarters in Srinagar, where a number of political and social activists from the Hazratbal constituency joined the Apni Party.
Speaking on the occasion, Bukhari criticised what he termed the silence of traditional political parties following the constitutional changes of August 5, 2019. He claimed that the developments had raised concerns regarding the identity, culture and demographic character of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Apni Party leader said his party had engaged with the Centre after the constitutional changes and asserted that securing protections relating to land and employment rights for residents of Jammu and Kashmir was among its major contributions during that period.
Referring to domicile-related provisions, Bukhari said that if the Apni Party had received a mandate in the 2024 Assembly elections, it would have sought changes to the existing residency requirements. He also criticised the present government for not prioritising the issue.
Welcoming the new entrants, Bukhari said the party would support its workers and leaders in serving people at the grassroots level.
Several political and social activists from the Hazratbal constituency joined the Apni Party during the event. Among them were Khair-ul-Nisa, Ghulam Mohammad Rather, Adil Fayaz, Fazil Fayaz, Waheeda, Naira Bano, Gulshana, Fayaz Ahmad Bhat, Sajid Fayaz, Asif Ali, Abdul Rashid, Owais Israr and Nayeema Rather.
The programme was attended by senior Apni Party leaders, including Vice President Haji Mohammad Syed Akhoon, Provincial President Kashmir Mohammad Ashraf Mir, Chief Spokesperson Muntazir Mohiudin and other party office-bearers.