Don’t fall prey to ‘deceit’ of traditional political parties: Bukhari

Srinagar, Dec 03: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Sunday urged people not to fall prey to the “deceit” of traditional political parties any further. He emphasized unity and said that conventional politicians always divide people based on caste and creed for their political gains.
Addressing a public rally in the Nambla village of north Kashmir’s Uri, Bukhari, as per a press release issued here said, “The traditional politicians have been deceiving people to attain and retain power. Even in 1947, they started by dividing people on the basis of caste for their political advantages. Enough is enough; it’s time to stop falling prey to deceptive politics any longer and to maintain unity for your greater interests.”
Recalling the deaths and destruction that the people of Uri have faced over the years due to the confrontation between the armies on both sides, Altaf Bukhari said, “People who live on the borders have suffered greatly over the years simply because they were easy targets of firing and shelling from both sides. I hope this situation will change, as history stands witness to the fact that when enemies decide to end the enmity, peace and prosperity begin.”
Expressing his concerns over the infrastructural deficit and the lack of opportunities in Uri, the Apni Party chief said, “It’s disheartening to witness the people of Uri struggling even for their basic needs. I wonder what traditional parties, who were at the helm over the years and decades, have done for the people of this far-flung area. Despite Uri being a producer of electricity, the residents are deprived of it for their own use. The educational institutions and healthcare facilities suffer from a lack of essential infrastructure and personnel, depriving the people of quality education and healthcare.”
He promised that when the Apni Party gets the mandate to form the government in Jammu and Kashmir, it will ensure the revival of the historic Mohra Power Project. “I promise you that the Apni Party’s government will ensure the Mohra powerhouse is rebuilt, and the power generated from this project will be exclusively allocated to the residents of this area. Also, we will ensure that local youth receive preferential consideration for employment opportunities arising from the infrastructure development in this region.”
On the occasion, Apni Party’s senior leader and vice president, Zaffar Iqbal Manhas, harshly criticised the National Conference and Congress, blaming these parties for the miseries of the people living on the borders. He also blamed these parties for eroding Jammu and Kashmir’s special status over the decades when these parties were at the helm.
Addressing the rally, the party’s senior leader and former mayor of Srinagar, Junaid Azim Mattu said, “As soon as the autocratic rule of the Maharaja ended in Jammu and Kashmir over seventy years ago, the National Conference established its own dynastic rule in the region. This political dynasty has exploited the people for its political gains.”