Srinagar: Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Sunday urged residents of Srinagar’s Shehr-e-Khaas to become aware of their political and democratic rights and seek solutions to what he described as longstanding developmental and economic challenges facing the city.
Addressing a workers’ convention in Habba Kadal, Bukhari accused traditional political parties, particularly the National Conference (NC), of failing to address issues affecting Srinagar residents despite enjoying public support for decades.
He claimed that a large section of the city’s population continues to struggle with inadequate civic amenities, unemployment, housing shortages and limited livelihood opportunities. Bukhari also criticised the existing reservation policy, alleging that it had adversely affected employment prospects for local youth.
Referring to Srinagar’s infrastructure and development, the Apni Party chief said the city had not witnessed the level of progress expected despite its historical and political significance. He also cited the filling of the Nallah Mar canal as an example of what he termed damage to the city’s natural infrastructure and heritage.
Bukhari appealed to Kashmiri Pandits to return to the Valley, saying their presence was important for restoring the region’s shared cultural heritage and communal harmony.
He also urged people to participate actively in future Urban Local Body (ULB) elections and elect representatives capable of addressing local developmental issues. Seeking support for his party, Bukhari said Apni Party’s agenda was focused on development and public welfare.
Speaking on the occasion, Apni Party senior vice president and former minister Ghulam Hassan Mir said residents of Srinagar were facing difficulties due to inadequate housing, limited employment opportunities and what he described as a lack of adequate developmental infrastructure.
Mir also alleged that restrictions related to construction permissions and other administrative processes were creating hardships for residents. He further claimed that young people faced difficulties in securing jobs and completing certain verification procedures.
Provincial president Mohammad Ashraf Mir also addressed the gathering and appealed to people to support the party, saying it aimed to work for peace, development and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir.
Several senior party leaders and office-bearers were present at the convention.
