Srinagar: Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Thursday said his party would engage with the Government of India to seek restoration of public confidence, protection of the rights of Jammu and Kashmir residents and a peaceful and prosperous future for the region.
Addressing a provincial-level party meeting at its headquarters in Srinagar, Bukhari asked party leaders and workers to remain connected with people and raise their concerns amid what he described as growing political uncertainty, insecurity and public dissatisfaction.
He said Apni Party had a responsibility to provide political direction and raise public grievances, alleging that the elected government had failed to address people’s concerns.
Bukhari said the party would urge the Centre to initiate a meaningful dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir to address the prevailing trust deficit and resolve issues concerning their rights and interests.
Referring to the period following August 5, 2019, he said Apni Party had engaged with the Centre to safeguard the rights of local residents, particularly over land and jobs. He also said the party had opposed measures that, in its view, could alter the region’s demographic character.
The Apni Party president called for efforts to ensure that people lodged in jails were given a fair opportunity to return to their families and rebuild their lives. He also raised concerns over the denial of passports to some young people, saying such restrictions affected their access to employment, education and livelihood opportunities outside Jammu and Kashmir.
On the economic front, Bukhari identified unemployment as one of the major challenges facing the region and called for meaningful employment opportunities and measures to help young people build secure futures.
He also demanded that Panchayat and Urban Local Bodies (ULB) elections be held without further delay, accusing the ruling National Conference (NC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of depriving people of their right to elect representatives at the grassroots level.
He alleged that legislators from both parties had little incentive to push for the elections because of the prevailing situation.
The meeting reviewed the political situation in Jammu and Kashmir, public concerns and feedback from party workers across the Valley.
Among those present were party vice presidents Javaid Mustafa Mir and Haji Mohammad Syed Akhoon, General Secretary Rafi Ahmad Mir, Additional General Secretary Hilal Ahmad Shah, Provincial President Kashmir Mohammad Ashraf Mir, Chief Spokesperson Muntazir Mohiuddin and other senior leaders and district representatives.