Mohammad Ashraf Mir, Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party Provincial President, and the party’s candidate for the Srinagar constituency said JKAP is committed to restoring “dignity and pride” to the people.
In an interview with Rising Kashmir Correspondent, Javid Sofi, Mir asserted that the Apni Party will fight for the restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir and seek amnesty for jailed youth.
Here are the excerpts:
In previous elections, there was a bipolar competition between National Conference and People’s Democratic Party for Srinagar seat. Do you think the entry of Apni Party will broaden the contest in this constituency?
JKAP emerged in 2020 with people having fair political experience, which helped in the party’s emergence as people joined us in droves. For the past four years, we have been carrying out public outreach programs in Kashmir, and found that people want change. Those who trusted the dynastic political parties are fed up and seek an alternative. JKAP campaigns with confidence, aiming for a majority win.
Can you explain the Apni Party’s ‘politics of truth’ and how it will alleviate people in Jammu and Kashmir?
For the past 40 years, NC was the dominant political party in Jammu and Kashmir, and people had no other alternative. Democratically, they were unable to deliver and live up to the expectations of the people. It appeared that they were dynasts; time and again, they proved themselves dynasts. They betrayed people every time they were tested. NC rigged elections in 1983, 1987, and in 1996 they compromised to form a government. PDP was floated in 2002 as an alternative to NC. People had expectations with this new political party, but during their rule, both PDP and NC sacrificed our youth, detained people under PSA, and many became victims of pellets. Kashmir witnessed death and destruction. Now, as normalcy has returned to Kashmir, the youth are jobless, they are depressed, and many fell prey to drug abuse. It is these two dynast political parties that are responsible for this situation. Today, Jammu and Kashmir is a loser state from a democratic point of view.
How do you respond to the allegations of being a B team of BJP in Kashmir?
I am upset with the media fraternity that poses this question to us. Omar Abdullah started his political career as a parliamentarian and enjoyed a ministry in the Vajpayee government. That was justified. Mehbooba formed a government with the BJP, and that is right. Right now, in this election, Shiv Sena is supporting NC in Jammu and Kashmir. We are yet to begin and contest an election. You pose this question to us. Ask this question to Omar Abdullah.
PDP has a strong base in southern segments and NC in Ganderbal, Budgam and Srinagar parts. In which segments do you think JKAP can dominate?
The upcoming election will reveal NC’s stronghold, evident from Omar Abdullah’s moves. His shift from Ganderbal to Srinagar and then to Beerwah indicates his base. PDP lacks a strong foothold in South Kashmir, where people have suffered from various issues, including job scams and youth exploitation. However, now, areas like Pulwama and Tral experience peace, with reduced involvement in anti-national activities.
Since JKAP bats for peace and development in Jammu and Kashmir, what will the Srinagar constituency be provided if JKAP wins the seat?
You should pose this question to NC and PDP.
PDP had two MPs in the parliament (Rajya Sabha). What did they do for the people of their constituencies?
NC has three MPs, including senior politician Farooq Abdullah. He has a lot of friends in the Centre. Did he exploit his friendship for the benefit of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, or did he use it to shield the cricket scam? He saved his job. He never bothered about the youth detained during NC and PDP rule and languishing in different jails. He could have asked for amnesty for these youth and other political prisoners; he could have asked for an employment package for unemployed youth, but he preferred to sit silently in the parliament. He sided with the INDIA bloc, the leaders of which were responsible for the bloodshed in Jammu and Kashmir.
Indian National Congress Chief Vikar Rasool said that INDIA alliance will win all six seats from Jammu and Kashmir. Would you like to react?
The coming election will make it clear because it is not my personal election; it is the people’s election. JKAP is contesting this election for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, for their honour and dignity. We will restore the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir through the parliament. We will create avenues and resources for generating employment and work for youth engagement.
How do you address the allegations from PDP that numerous party leaders defected to JKAP solely to shield themselves from facing charges against them?
I filed my nomination yesterday; it has a legal clause, and I have nothing adverse against me. I was never required to give an explanation before anyone. It is NC and PDP which get notices from New Delhi. The track record of our leaders in JKAP is clean and clear. We shifted our political paradigm because the PDP deceived people. They had an anti-people agenda and were concerned about their jobs, their relatives, and their homes. For the past 4 years, PDP didn’t make a request or appeal before the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir and met him with the demands of the people. They were never bothered to make a combined appeal to the Prime Minister or the Home Minister for the release of prisoners and employment of youth. People in the Kandi belt live in difficulties and crave basic amenities. In this election, people will vote for development and peace.
