Srinagar, Aug 21: The Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party on Wednesday released the manifesto ahead of assembly elections in the union territory, promising restoration of statehood and free 500 units of electricity.
The manifesto was released by the party’s senior leader Rafi Mir in the presence of former Mayor Srinagar, Junai Azim Mattu and other leaders.
Mir said the Apni Party is committed to restoring the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir, as promised by the central government on August 5, 2019. “The party will prioritise the protection of land and job rights for local youth, similar to the provisions under Article 371 in other states,” he said.
The Apni Party will also restore all repealed and amended laws, work for the return of Kashmiri Pandits and establish a bicameral legislature in the state, he said, adding, “We will ensure that the unique culture and identity of Jammu & Kashmir are preserved.”
Rafi said the party will also fill all vacant government posts and ensure a reasonable stipend for unemployed youth.
Regarding economic development, the Apni Party promises to transfer hydel projects from NHPC to J&K, improve power supply during peak seasons, and boost tourism through the development of scenic and historical sites, he said. “Our focus will be on creating tourism circuits that not only attract visitors but also generate employment for the local population.”
Mir said the Apni Party will provide 500 units of free electricity during winter in Kashmir and summer in Jammu, and four free LPG cylinders annually for BPL families. “Our aim is to provide social security to the most vulnerable sections of society,” he said.
On the healthcare front, he said the Apni Party pledges to establish new Bone and Joint Hospitals and MCH (Maternal and Child Health) hospitals across the state. We will also focus on enhancing road connectivity and infrastructure in remote areas, he added.
Addressing the issue of detainees, Rafi assured that the party will work for the release of detainees not involved in heinous crimes and review the cases of those imprisoned under the Public Safety Act. “We will ensure that justice is served and that no innocent person is wrongfully detained,” he said.
He added, “The Apni Party will create IT parks, industrial estates and food processing units as well as establish model schools at the block level. Education and technology will be at the forefront of our development agenda. We will also tackle corruption and drug abuse and promote women’s empowerment.”
Our manifesto reflects the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and we are committed to turning these promises into reality, the Apni Party leader concluded.
Apni Party releases first list of candidates
Apni Party on Wednesday released the first list of its candidates for the upcoming assembly polls.
According to a press release issued here, the party has announced the names of eight candidates for various assembly segments in south Kashmir.
The nominated candidates include Rafi Ahmad Mir from 47-Pahalgam, Hilal Ahmad Shah from 44-Anantnag, Tariq Shah Veeri from 45-Bijbehara, Abdul Majeed Padder from 38-DH-Pora, Riyaz Ahmad Bhat 40-Devsar, Adv. Gowher Hassan Wani from 36-Zainapora, Mir Altaf from 32-Pampore and Adv Owais Khan from 37-Shopian.
These nominations were recommended by Mohammad Dilawar Mir, Chairman of the Parliamentary Affairs Committee (PAC), and approved by the Party President, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari.
