Srinagar, July 1: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Wednesday said that “lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir can only be achieved through meaningful dialogue between the Government of India and the people of the region.” Stressing that peace is the cornerstone of progress, he said, “Peace is utmost essential for the development and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir.”
He said that Apni Party endorses calls for dialogue between India and Pakistan. He said that if such a dialogue ensures peace in Jammu and Kashmir, they would be the happiest people to support such a move. He said, “Peace is paramount for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. If both the neighbouring countries talk to each other and that leads to peace in Jammu and Kashmir, we would be the happiest people.”
He further said, “I have been consistently demanding that the Centre initiate a dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir because I understand that only dialogue can ensure the redressal of issues and grievances. I am happy that today even those who opposed dialogue earlier are supporting it. Dialogue is the only way to address issues.”
Taking a dig at the government over the outsourcing of jobs in Jammu and Kashmir, he said, “It is no justification to say that the previous government did the same. Outsourcing jobs, whether by the present government or the previous one, is a cruel joke on unemployed youth who are grappling with unemployment. This practice is being carried out at the cost of unemployed youth. It must be abandoned immediately.”
Bukhari made these remarks today while talking to reporters after an event at the party headquarters in Srinagar. The event was organised to extend a warm welcome to several prominent political and social leaders and activists into the party fold.
Those who joined the party included former SMC Srinagar Secretary Sofi Mohammad Akbar, former DDC Member and ex-Zone President of PDP Abdul Qayoom Mir, renowned businessman and Sarparast-e-Aala of the All J&K Wood Suppliers Union Gulzar Ahmad Pardesi, social and political activist Indumeet Singh, and others. They all joined the party along with their respective teams.
On this occasion, party’s president Altaf Bukhari and other senior party leaders extended a warm welcome to the new entrents.
Speaking on the occasion, Bukhari said, “I warmly welcome you all to Apni Party. I am sure that together we will be able to implement the party’s pro-people agenda and policies more effectively. We are here to serve the people and work for peace, prosperity, and development.”
He went on to say, “Apni Party firmly believes that many of the wounds suffered by the people of Jammu and Kashmir have been inflicted over the years and decades by successive governments in Delhi. At the same time, we also believe that the solutions to our challenges will come from Delhi—not from Islamabad, London, or America. Our commitment is to engage constructively and democratically to secure the rights, dignity, and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”
Speaking about the harsh propaganda carried out against Apni Party by its political opponents during the 2024 Assembly elections, Bukhari said, “We could not secure victory in the 2024 Assembly elections, perhaps because our opponents resorted to character assassination, false accusations, and propaganda against us. However, today they stand completely exposed before the people.”
“The public now fully understands that they were deceived by the traditional parties through false promises and emotional slogans during the 2024 election campaign. The truth has become evident, and those who misled the people now stand fully exposed,” he added.
Bukhari made a direct appeal to the Prime Minister, urging him to initiate a dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir and address their long-pending issues. He said, “I want to tell the Hon’ble Prime Minister that our people do not demand the moon and the stars. They seek only those same rights that the Constitution guarantees to every citizen of this nation.”
He further said, “Our youth often feel unsafe when they are outside Jammu and Kashmir. Even today, many of them are called to police stations on occasions such as August 15 and January 26. Our youth deserve a sense of security and dignity at home and outside J&K as well. You had promised to engage in dialogue with the people. This is the time to fulfil that promise. What are you waiting for? If you are testing the patience of the people, let me say that their patience is wearing thin. They want the immediate resolution of their genuine issues and grievances. Their aspirations cannot be ignored any longer.”
He expressed grave concern that the elected government has shown no interest in increasing the existing 15-year residency requirement for obtaining domicile in Jammu and Kashmir, despite having the authority to recommend such a change.
He urged the Central Government to take the initiative to extend the residency requirement for domicile eligibility to at least 35 years, if not 50 years. “If such a provision could be made for Himachal Pradesh, why not for Jammu and Kashmir?” he asked.
Bukhari appealed to the administration to ensure that, while making all necessary arrangements for a safe, secure, and smooth Amarnath Yatra, equal attention is given to facilitating the local population. He urged the authorities to ensure that residents do not face unnecessary inconvenience or hardship as a consequence of the security measures put in place for the Yatra.
Besides Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, the prominent party leaders who were present on the occasion included party’s Senior Vice President Ghulam Hassan Mir, Chairman of the Parliamentary Affairs Committee Mohammad Dilawar Mir, Provincial President Kahsmir Mohammad Ashraf Mir, Chief Spokesperson & State Secretary Muntazir Mohiuddin, Media Advisor Farooq Andrabi, Secretary organisation & Spokesperson Dr Harbaksh Singh, District President Pulwama Dr Samiullah, Vice President Srinagar & Constituency In-charge Central Shaltang Zaffar Habib, Tajalah Andrabi, and others.
