Bandipora, Jul 19: Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the ruling National Conference (NC), accusing it of failing to defend the constitutional rights of the people after the August 5, 2019 developments and questioning its credibility in leading the campaign for the restoration of statehood.
Addressing a workers’ convention in Bandipora and later speaking to reporters, Bukhari said the NC had remained silent during one of the most difficult periods in Jammu and Kashmir’s political history despite enjoying a strong public mandate.
“When I stepped out in 2020, there was no active politics happening. All of them were sitting safely inside their homes,” Bukhari said, referring to mainstream political leaders.
He said the NC had failed to utilise the mandate of 50 Assembly seats given to it by the people, adding that if the party was genuinely committed to restoring the rights of Jammu and Kashmir, “it should not have been able to sleep even for a single day.”
While clarifying his absence from the National Conference’s recent proposed protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi seeking restoration of statehood, Bukhari said he had not been consulted before the programme was announced. However, he maintained that he fully supported the cause.
“It does not mean I don’t support the cause. Whoever takes the fight for restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood or Article 370 forward, I stand with them,” he said.

At the same time, Bukhari questioned the effectiveness of the opposition’s approach, describing some of the political campaigns as attempts to score “brownie points.”
“Let us see how much they actually manage to bring back. If it is merely about scoring brownie points, I can score plenty of them too. If we have to wash dirty linen in public, I can wash it as well. But this political grandstanding benefits no one except the elements who do not want the people of Jammu and Kashmir to live in peace and harmony with India,” he said, adding that dialogue and persuasion remained the only viable path to resolving political issues.
Bukhari reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir’s future lay within the Indian Union and said the resolution of all political issues rested with New Delhi.
“Jammu and Kashmir is destined to remain a part of India, and the solutions to all our problems will also come from New Delhi, not from anywhere else. Apni Party will compel the Centre to restore the constitutional rights of J&K,” he said.
He also sought to allay public concerns over demographic changes in the Union Territory, promising that the Apni Party would take up the issue with the Centre.

“Some people in Jammu and Kashmir are apprehensive about demographic changes and any attempt to alter the region’s Muslim-majority status. Apni Party will ensure these concerns are addressed,” he said.
Appealing to the Government of India, Bukhari urged it to fulfil Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to bridge the “Dili aur Dil Ki Dooriyan” (distance between New Delhi and the hearts of the people of Jammu and Kashmir).
“This is the right time for the Government of India to initiate a meaningful dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir so that their genuine concerns and grievances are heard, understood and effectively addressed,” he said.

Bukhari also blamed successive political parties for the constitutional changes of August 5, 2019.
“What was the need to abrogate Article 370 and Article 35A? What was the need to strip away our statehood? The elements operating there are exactly like the ones here—whether it is the PDP, the National Conference, the BJP, Kejriwal’s party or the Congress—they all collectively voted to remove Article 370 and end our statehood. None of them are our well-wishers. This is not a religious or holy fight; it is pure politics,” he alleged.
Tracing the roots of Kashmir’s political unrest, Bukhari said repeated electoral manipulation had eroded public faith in democracy.
“I say it today as well: if rigging had not occurred since 1947, things would be different. The people of Jammu and Kashmir decided to align with a democratic India back then, but democracy was denied to them. It was the blatant rigging of the 1987 elections that created Syed Salahuddin,” he said.
He also criticised Bollywood’s portrayal of Kashmir, saying such depictions often ignored the emotional sensitivities of the people.
“They don’t know that our emotions are associated with these issues. All these attempts to play with the emotions of Kashmiris are setting a dangerous trend,” he said.

Referring again to the National Conference, Bukhari alleged that the party had remained silent on the restoration of statehood for six years, including after assuming office in 2024.
“They remained in power for decades, yet after August 5, 2019, when the people needed them the most, they chose to remain silent. Now they have suddenly begun raising the issue of statehood. The obvious question is: where were they over the past six years?” he asked.
He further alleged that it was the National Conference that had gradually surrendered Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional autonomy after the state’s accession to India.

“It was this party that made J&K accede to India in 1947. Following that, they started giving away J&K’s rights and special status to New Delhi. But when people needed them the most after August 5, 2019, they remained in hiding,” he said.
Highlighting local issues in Bandipora district, Bukhari demanded immediate construction of the Gurez Tunnel to provide all-weather connectivity to the border valley by bypassing the snowbound Razdan Pass. He also sought early construction of the Bandipora-Sogam road.
Accusing previous governments of neglecting the district, he said hospitals and schools lacked adequate infrastructure and qualified staff, and called for improved drinking water facilities in tribal villages.

Bukhari also raised concerns over mining policies, alleging that local residents had been deprived of their traditional rights while outsiders were extracting minerals worth millions of rupees from rivers.
“Locals have been denied their traditional manual mining. This has to change, and Apni Party will ensure that local people get their rightful share so they can continue their traditional livelihood,” he said.
Expressing concern over rising unemployment, Bukhari said the lack of job opportunities was fuelling frustration among educated youth and contributing to the growing menace of drug addiction.
“It is the responsibility of the government to create employment opportunities for our youth. One of the reasons behind the growing drug menace is unemployment,” he said.

He also accused the National Conference of failing to fulfil major promises made during the 2024 Assembly election campaign.
“People were assured 200 units of free electricity every month and 12 free LPG cylinders every year. They were promised additional ration, but instead the quota has been reduced. They also promised one lakh jobs within six months of forming the government. Now they are outsourcing jobs,” he alleged.
Calling upon people to reject traditional political parties, Bukhari said they had repeatedly exploited public sentiment for electoral gains.
Speaking on the occasion, Apni Party Provincial President for Kashmir Mohammad Ashraf Mir urged party workers to intensify public outreach and remain closely connected with people at the grassroots level.
“The Apni Party is a party of the masses. It is our responsibility to raise public issues and ensure their grievances reach the concerned authorities for redressal,” Mir said.

During the convention, National Conference youth leader Sameer Iqbal from Kuloosa, Bandipora, joined the Apni Party along with his supporters.
The convention, jointly organised by District President Syed Shafat Qazmi and senior leader Naseer Ahmad Mir, was attended by several party functionaries, including Chief Spokesperson and State Secretary Muntazir Mohiuddin, Provincial Secretary Mohammad Saleem Lone, Provincial Joint Secretary Raiz Atish, Constituency In-charge Imtiyaz Paray, Vice District President Abdul Rahim Bhat, Youth President Shiraz Wani, former DDC member Ghulam Nabi Ganaie and other senior leaders.

Baramulla, Jul 19: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said the administration had stepped up rescue and relief operations in the flood-affected districts of Poonch and Rajouri, where flash floods and landslides have caused fatalities and extensive damage.

Speaking to reporters in Baramulla, LG Sinha said the situation in the affected districts was being monitored round the clock, with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), J&K Police, and other emergency agencies working in close coordination to evacuate stranded residents and provide relief to affected families.

“The situation in Poonch and Rajouri is under constant review. The AmarnathYatra has been suspended temporarily as a precautionary measure. There has been loss of life, but the exact number of casualties will be confirmed after official verification,” he said.

The LG said the administration was in regular contact with district authorities and had directed all concerned departments to intensify rescue, relief, and rehabilitation measures.

He said that every possible assistance was being extended to people affected by the floods and landslides.

Earlier, addressing an interfaith dialogue organised by the Save Youth Save Future Foundation at DakBunglow Baramulla, LG Sinha highlighted the importance of communal harmony, shared cultural values and youth participation in building a peaceful and progressive J&K.

He said every citizen has a responsibility to preserve the region’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage, adding that lasting social transformation begins with individual commitment rather than mere words.

Referring to Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals, he urged people to strengthen mutual respect and reject divisions based on religion or community.

About the drug abuse, LG Sinha said the 100-day NashaMukt J&K campaign had witnessed active public participation.

He commended volunteers for reaching villages and towns, engaging with affected families and spreading awareness against substance abuse.

Calling for a people-led movement against drugs, the LG said J&K’s youth were increasingly embracing entrepreneurship, innovation, education, and national unity over violence and addiction.

He said Baramulla had a rich history of communal harmony.

Recalling the Baramulla Gurdwara’s support to families displaced by cross-border shelling in Uri, he described it as a shining example of Kashmir’s long-standing tradition of interfaith solidarity and compassion.

Srinagar, July 19: The Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) Sunday announced power shutdown in several parts of central Kashmir on July 20 and 25.

In a communication, Chief Engineer, Distribution, KPDCL informed that the shutdown of 33 KV Badampora Lar Tulmulla line and 33 KV Badampora Kurhama Dab line will be observed due to which power supply to Lar, Waliwar, Watlar, Repora, Tulmulla, Dangerpora , Theeru, Larsun, Kurhama, Youngoora, Barsoo, Old Dab, Checki Baba Salun, Sainik School, Rabitar, Kondbal, GCET Safapora  and adjoining areas will be affected from 08 AM to 02 PM on 25 July 2026.

Similarly, shutdown of 33 KV Alusteng-Zakura line will be observed due to which power supply to Pandach, Khalmulla, Umerheir, Panchayat, Ahmadnagar, Pathan Colony, Gulabagh and adjoining areas will be affected from 08 AM to 02 PM on 20 July 2026.

Srinagar, July 19: The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today addressed Interfaith Dialogue for Harmony in Baramulla, organised by the Save Youth Save Future Foundation. He commended the Save Youth Save Future Foundation for their contribution to the drug-free Jammu Kashmir campaign. He said the young volunteers worked selflessly and took on a great responsibility for a better future for UT.

“Through this campaign we have strengthened trust within our families and institutions, reinforced youth’s confidence in their future, and sent a message across the country that when a society rises up on its own, it can overcome biggest challenges,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted that this land of Jammu Kashmir embodies harmony and brotherhood.

“For generations, people of different faiths received respect and experienced spiritual peace. It is the lasting legacy of the saints, Sufis, and Rishis who spent centuries teaching our people the power of love, compassion, and unity.

Lal Ded’s teachings didn’t belong to one religion. Her Vakh spoke directly to the human heart. She never judged people by their faith. Instead, Lal Ded focused on bringing different ways of worship together. Similarly, Sheikh-ul-Alam showed us that true devotion isn’t about conflict or division. It is found in compassion and in serving every single human being.

The flourishing rishi-sufi tradition in Kashmir does not proclaim the superiority of one faith. Its message is that all religions and beliefs draw their strength from the same existence, and I believe this teaching is our shared heritage. This heritage does not belong only to Hindus, only to Muslims, only to Sikhs, Buddhists, or Christians. It is the legacy of every citizen born on this sacred land, and protecting this heritage is our moral and spiritual duty. We must safeguard this harmony in the same way we protect our families,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He also stated that social and religious harmony is the cornerstone on which a strong society, a strong Jammu Kashmir, and a developed India can be built.

“When the people move in peaceful coexistence then the energy of society becomes the greatest force for development. That is why I strongly believe that harmony is both a moral necessity for the people and the foundation of economic prosperity and it also a guarantee of a brighter future for coming generations.

We must strengthen the spirit of equal respect for all religions so that every citizen can progress with equal opportunities. We must reinforce mutual goodwill so that poverty is eliminated from every home. We must unite to promote fraternity so that we can uproot challenges like drug addiction.

From the soil of Baramulla today a message should go out that if there is any land in the world that can teach the world that different communities, sects, and faiths can live together in peace, joy, and trust, it is India,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor also called upon youth to believe in themselves.

“Believe in your ability. Believe that you can build a future far brighter than the past you inherited. For a long time, this land suffered from the scourge of drugs and terrorism, and that impacted the consciousness, dreams, and futures of the youth.

Today I say with full conviction that that era has now ended. Now the youth of Jammu Kashmir have taken the reins of their future into their own hands, and this Union Territory is moving toward a new era of education, entrepreneurship, innovation, spiritual awareness, and national unity. Let us together build a Jammu Kashmir that is stronger, more prosperous, peaceful, and progressive,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

During his visit, the Lieutenant Governor also met various public delegations. He assured appropriate action on the issues projected by them.

Major General Manoj Joshi, GoC, Dagger Division; Brij Mohan Sharma, Principal Secretary, Culture Department; Dr. Vinod Kumar, DIG North Kashmir Range; Syed Fakhrudin Hamid, Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla; Gurinderpal Singh, SSP Baramulla; Wajahat Farooq Bhat, Chairman, Save Youth Save Future Foundation; members of the Foundation; senior officials, civil society members, prominent citizens, people from different walks of life and youth in large number were present.