SRINAGAR: Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Sunday questioned the legality of certain land purchases in Kashmir and alleged that the ruling National Conference (NC) would be responsible for any demographic changes in Jammu and Kashmir if such transactions were allowed to proceed.
Addressing a public meeting in Natipora in Srinagar’s Chanapora constituency, Bukhari asked who had permitted a Mumbai-based businessman to purchase land for a hotel project in Syedpora and a Delhi-based company to acquire 150 kanals of land in Chatterhama, Hazratbal. He claimed such transactions were not permissible under existing domicile-related provisions in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Apni Party leader also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to initiate direct dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the youth, to address what he described as a growing trust deficit between the Centre and the region.
Bukhari alleged that issues relating to police verification, detention of youth and frequent police summons had contributed to public grievances. He said meaningful engagement between the Centre and the people was necessary to address these concerns.
Targeting the National Conference government, Bukhari claimed that several promises made during the Assembly elections remained unfulfilled. He alleged that commitments related to free electricity, subsidised gas cylinders, statehood restoration and other welfare measures had not been implemented.
He also criticised the repeated disruptions in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, saying people expected the House to focus on governance and public issues.
Referring to conditions in Srinagar’s old city and other areas, Bukhari highlighted concerns related to housing, infrastructure, unemployment and water supply. He alleged that some development projects initiated during his tenure had not been taken forward.
Speaking at the meeting, Apni Party senior vice-president Ghulam Hassan Mir said voters had supported the 2024 Assembly elections in the hope that an elected government would bridge the gap between the administration and the public. He alleged that public expectations had not been met and accused the ruling party of failing to deliver on key election promises.
Other Apni Party leaders, including vice-president Mohammad Syed Akhoon, general secretary Rafi Ahmad Mir and provincial president Mohammad Ashraf Mir, also criticised the NC government and accused it of failing to address public concerns.
