Bukhari demands official observance of July 13 as ‘Martyrs’ Day’

Srinagar, Jul 10: Apni Party president, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Wednesday demanded that the Jammu and Kashmir government officially observe July 13 as “Martyrs’ Day”, in remembrance of those who laid down their lives in 1931.“Apni Party is not just demanding a holiday on July 13. That day is already a Sunday this year. What we demand is that the government hold an official function to mark the occasion,” Bukhari said while addressing media persons after the party’s convention here.He added that if the National Conference government doesn’t want to observe it, the Apni Party will. “We have formally applied for permission to visit the Mazare Shuhada (Martyrs’ Graveyard) and will go there to offer Fatiha and pay our respects. It is because of their sacrifices that we are here today,” he said.The Apni party chief accused the ruling party of indulging in the victimisation of political opponents. “It is extremely unfortunate that the government is punishing people who voted against it. Individuals are being transferred for such petty reasons. On the developmental front, opposition areas are being deliberately neglected—roads and lanes are only being macadamized in localities that supported the ruling party,” he alleged.He warned the administration to stop this “victimisation” within two months or face street protests. “I have given the government two months to change this behaviour. If it doesn’t, we will take to the streets, beginning with Gearo, and announce the next programme accordingly,” he said.Bukhari said only 24% of voters supported the ruling party, while 76% voted against it. “Yet they are occupying panchayats through the backdoor and not holding elections for municipalities,” he said.Responding to a question on dialogue, the former minister recalled Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement promising talks with the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “He (Shah) said he would talk to the youth and elders of J&K. We remind him of that promise. If the government can talk to the people of Ladakh, Mizoram, and the Northeast, then why not with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who also have a rich history? They are your own people,” he said.Bukhari said Apni Party was able to secure job and land rights for the people by directly engaging with the Prime Minister and Home Minister, despite not being in power. “We had no mandate, yet we achieved what others couldn’t. We were defamed and targeted, but we stood firm and took risks for the people,” he said.Taking a swipe at the NC, he said, “They have 50 MLAs. Who is stopping them? It’s about political will. If they fail, by the grace of Allah, I assure my people—don’t worry. We will bring back the statehood. We will bring back J&K cadres. We will bring back our youth.”