Apni Party for unity among regional parties for statehood

Srinagar, July 25: Apni Party’s state vice president and in-charge, District Shopian, Zafar Iqbal Manhas on Thursday said there is a need for all regional political parties to foster a unified thought and collective action, instead of engaging in mudslinging and accusations.
He said that in the absence of statehood, assembly elections are nothing but a cruel joke. “Therefore, it is the historical duty of all parties to unite and strive for the full restoration of statehood, rather than scrambling for third-rate positions,” he said while addressing a meeting of the Apni Party Zone Shopian, held under the chairmanship of Zonal President and DDC Kellar Chaudhry Fazal Din.
“Out of 107 zonal and block committee office bearers and members, 83 attended the meeting, with some district-level guest office bearers also specially participating,” the party said in a statement.
Zafar urged the workers to be prepared for the “upcoming challenges”. He shed light on the dire political situation in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the valley.
He said, “Certain political parties and groups, experienced in deceit and oppression, are once again crying foul to cover up their political sins and colossal mistakes.”
“These are the same people who, over the past seventy years, have sold out national interests at every decisive and historic turn for the sake of a crippled power. Now, deprived of their seats of power, they have donned new disguises,” Zaffar said, adding, “As the people of this region are politically helpless and powerless, these power-hungry politicians are ready to clash and undermine each other, their hollow arrogance touching the skies.”
He noted that their current situation is akin to “Rome burning while Nero fiddles,” warning that future generations will not forgive them for their inaction. It would be better to assist each other in sincere efforts for reform rather than playing the ridiculous game of “cops and robbers”, he added.
Meanwhile, Zafar praised the leadership of Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir for deciding to re-enter electoral politics and actively participate in the upcoming elections. He congratulated the entire top leadership of the Jamaat, especially Ameer Jamaat Dr Hameed Fayaz, for this “courageous” decision.
“We hope that considering this decision, the Jamaat will be allowed to resume its religious services and outreach programs without any hindrance,” he said.