Jammu, Feb 12: Apni Party President Syed Mohammed Altaf Bukhari on Monday said if his party forms the next government, they would end the discrimination in Jammu & Kashmir by ensuring equitable development, employment to the educated unemployed youth, revamp of educational and health care infrastructure across the erstwhile State.
Bukhari was addressing a public meeting here at Gole Gujral, Jammu. In his address, he said, “I see a wave of change in Jammu. People want to give a chance to a new political party because they feel misled by the traditional political parties in Jammu and Kashmir. The people of Jammu have also developed a feeling of disconnection with the BJP after the 2014 assembly elections in which Jammu voted the BJP to power. However, the BJP failed to fulfil the promises which were made with the people,” he said.
While the country is witnessing assembly elections in various states, he said the assembly elections have not been held in Jammu & Kashmir for the last five years without citing any reason, he said, adding, “The Panchayats and Municipalities have completed terms, but no elections were declared for these democratic institutions including the assembly elections in J&K. The BJP might be worried about anguish against them among the masses because they have failed.”
Appreciating the Government of India for the railway link up to Rajouri, the Bukhari demanded that the railway line should be extended up to Poonch and then the border district shall also be linked through the railway line with Uri for 12 months of connectivity (all weather) that would help the local economy to grow and the security forces on the other hand.
He said that the railway line shall also be further extended from Kupwara to Karnah-Karalpora, etc unconnected area to provide better connectivity through Indian Railways in the rural and unexplored populated areas in Kashmir Valley.
The Apni Party Chief also questioned the previous government for their “failure” in upgrading and developing the school infrastructure.
Expressing dismay over increasing unemployment, he raised a question mark on the “objectionable” cancellation of the recruitment process for various posts due to which the aspirants have become over aged and sparked various protests.
Bukhari also expressed concern over the unaddressed issues of the transporters and drivers who face problems in Nagrota (Jammu), Udhampur, Qazigund (Kashmir) whenever they are stranded for days without drinking water, and toilets, etc.
Meanwhile, he said that the Apni Party would reduce losses of electricity and save the public money even after providing free of cost 500 units and 300 units of electricity to each family in J&K during the summer and winter seasons.
Regarding concerns of the people about the Punjabi language, Altaf said the parents should encourage their children for Punjabi teaching/learning. He assured that the Punjabi language shall be taught in the schools. He however insisted on teaching Hindi, Punjabi, Dogri and Kashmiri languages.
