RK News Service
Srinagar, May 24: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Saturday urged all political parties in Jammu and Kashmir to unite and compel the Centre to initiate a dialogue to address the issues and aspirations of the people.
Addressing a workers’ convention at Birpur in Samba district, Bukhari said political parties in Ladakh had come together to safeguard the interests of the region, forcing the Centre to hold talks with them. He said Jammu and Kashmir should also take a cue from Ladakh and collectively push for dialogue with New Delhi.
Bukhari said the Centre must engage with the people and political parties of Jammu and Kashmir to resolve genuine grievances and added that the Apni Party would support any such initiative.
He also demanded early conduct of Urban Local Bodies and Panchayat elections, saying grassroots democracy was essential for addressing public issues at the local level.
Taking a dig at the ruling National Conference, Bukhari accused the government of failing to fulfil election promises, including free electricity, jobs, regularisation of daily wagers and additional welfare measures. He also criticised the implementation of the Industrial Development Package for Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that it had largely benefited outside industrialists without generating adequate employment for local youth.