JAMMU: The Apni Party President, Syed Mohammed Altaf Bukhari Monday said that if his Party forms the next Govt they would end the discrimination in Jammu and Kashmir by ensuring equitable development, employment to the educated unemployed youth, revamp of educational and health care infrastructure across the erstwhile State.
Altaf Bukhari was addressing a public meeting here at Gole Gujral, Jammu. The largely attended meeting was organized by Party leader, Balbir Singh (Bawa).
In his address, Bukhari commended Bawa for organizing an impressive meeting and his work among the people to address their issues, especially in the absence of an elected Govt in Jammu and Kashmir.
“I see a wave of change in Jammu. People want to give a chance to a new political party because they feel misled by the traditional political parties in Jammu and Kashmir. The people of Jammu have also developed a feeling of disconnection with the BJP after the 2014 assembly elections in which Jammu voted the BJP to power. However, the BJP failed to fulfil the promises which were made with the people,” he said while expressing his support to the people who were feeling alienated without an elected Govt.
While the country is witnessing assembly elections in various states, he said: “The assembly elections have not been held in Jammu and Kashmir for the last five years without citing any reason.”
“The Panchayats and Municipalities have completed terms, but no elections were declared for these democratic institutions including the assembly elections in J&K,” he said.
Expressing surprise over the unruly delay in holding elections in J&K, he apprehended that the BJP might be worried about anguish against them among the masses because they have failed completely.
He, however, appreciated the people for extending their support to the Apni Party, especially in Jammu.
He asked the people to bring change in Jammu and Kashmir by supporting the Party candidates so that his Party can form an elected Govt and represent the people to resolve the issues. He also sought the support of the people for the restoration of statehood.
Appreciating the Govt of India for the railway link up to Rajouri, the Party President demanded that the railway line should be extended up to Poonch and then the border district shall also be linked through the railway line with Uri for 12 months connectivity (all weather) that would help the local economy to grow and the security forces on the other hand.
He said that the railway line shall also be further extended from Kupwara to Karnah – Karalpora etc unconnected area to provide better connectivity through Indian Railways in the rural and unexplored populated areas in Kashmir Valley.
Regarding the worsening infrastructure in Govt schools across Jammu and Kashmir, he said: “We have 23000 Govt schools and well-qualified teachers. Of these 23000 schools, many have no buildings or proper infrastructure and 70% lack toilets yet the people are advised to send their children to the Govt schools where improvement is needed.”
