Srinagar, Aug 28: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Wednesday said the alliances between regional and national parties have “repeatedly caused suffering” to the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
“The coalition governments formed after the 1987, 2008 and 2014 assembly elections have caused significant turmoil, leading to deaths and destruction in the region,” he said, adding that the Apni Party will contest the upcoming assembly elections independently, without seeking or offering support to any other political entity.
Bukhari added, “Rather than focusing on India-Pakistan issues, I am more concerned with the grievances and problems faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”
He made these comments while campaigning in Chanapora, his home constituency, where he engaged with voters and urged their vote and support, the party said in a statement.
Responding to a question about the relationship between India and Pakistan, Bukhari said, “Instead of focussing on these matters, I am more concerned about the grievances and issues of the local population in Jammu and Kashmir. That’s why our manifesto includes promises such as releasing prisoners, granting general amnesty to youth facing charges, filling two lakh vacant government jobs, regularising daily wagers, granting minority status to the Sikh community, facilitating the return of Kashmiri Pandits, providing free electricity to households, enhancing old age pensions, and financial assistance for the marriages of poor girls.”
“We believe these are the real issues, and we are committed to addressing them. Whether trade relations between India and Pakistan are restored is a matter for the governments of the two nations to decide,” he added.
On religious organisations, the Apni Party Chief said, “I have always supported religious organisations and their leaders because I believe that they play an important role in improving society.”
