JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Wednesday called for greater youth participation in public affairs and urged political parties to focus on employment, healthcare, electricity and drinking water instead of what he described as impractical political promises.
Bukhari made the remarks at a joining programme at the party headquarters in Gandhi Nagar, Jammu, where former National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) Joint Secretary Tavleen Bobarai, along with nearly 200 youths and around 100 other residents from Arnia, joined the Apni Party.
Among those who joined the party were Rajwant Singh Raji, Sagar Singh Charak, Buta Singh, Alyas, Irfan and Jaskaran. The programme was organised by Apni Party’s Jammu Provincial President Manjit Singh.
Addressing the gathering, Bukhari said meaningful political change in Jammu and Kashmir would require active participation by young people. He urged the youth to engage in public life and work towards addressing issues affecting their communities.
Speaking to reporters later, Bukhari termed the ongoing demands of National Health Mission (NHM) employees for enhanced remuneration as legitimate and called on the administration to address their concerns.
He also raised concerns about healthcare infrastructure and staffing in parts of Jammu and Kashmir. Referring to reported shortages of specialists and operational staff at some health facilities, Bukhari said the government should ensure that healthcare institutions are adequately staffed and equipped.
On the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, Bukhari said the issue should be pursued through dialogue and democratic engagement with the Union Government.
Commenting on the performance of the government, the Apni Party leader alleged that it had failed to adequately address basic public issues. He also criticised opposition parties for, according to him, not focusing sufficiently on matters affecting ordinary citizens.
Bukhari said employment generation should remain a key priority, citing concerns over unemployment among educated youth.
He further called for attention to issues relating to electricity charges, drinking water supply, taxation and administrative accountability. He alleged that citizens continue to face delays and hurdles in obtaining government services and called for greater transparency in governance.
Responding to criticism that the Apni Party maintains close ties with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Bukhari rejected the allegation and said engagement with the Prime Minister and Union Government was part of democratic politics and aimed at raising public issues.
On reservation-related issues, he said the matter required wider public discussion and careful examination rather than political rhetoric.
Bukhari also appealed for politics centred on development and public welfare, saying employment, healthcare, electricity, drinking water and accountable governance should remain at the centre of political discourse.
