Srinagar, Mar 21: Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Friday said unemployment and drug menace are among the most pressing challenges facing society in Jammu and Kashmir. He said a judicious mechanism is required for job reservations which should be based on economic criteria.
Bukhari also urged New Delhi to release detainees who are not involved in any heinous crimes. He demanded an easing of the verification process for employment and passport applicants.
The Apni Party Chief made these remarks today while responding to questions from reporters in Rawathpora Baghat, Srinagar.
When asked about the Union Home Minister’s statement suggesting that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir has improved since 2019, Bukhari said, “That is apparent. The situation has improved. I agree with the Home Minister, but at the same time, I would like to ask why our youth continue to suffer. The situation has improved, so now our youth should be given some solace. Ease the verification process for job and passport applicants so that these youngsters can pursue their careers and seek better employment opportunities abroad.”
He went on to say, “Similarly, the government must initiate the process of releasing detainees who are not involved in any heinous crimes.”
On the demands for a liquor ban in Kashmir, the Apni Party President said, “I am happy that liquor has been banned in Katra, as it harms the religious sentiments of the people there. I appreciate this initiative. But the same approach should be applied in Kashmir as well. Religious sentiments are also being hurt here, so liquor should be banned here too.”
Responding a question regarding the upcoming townships, Altaf Bukhari said, “Every inch of land belongs to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Apni Party has ensured the protection of land and jobs here.”
On the issue of reservations, he said, “Reservations should be based on economic criteria. A defined economic threshold must be set, and anyone exceeding this limit should not be eligible for reservation benefits.”
Bukhari explained: “There is a need for a judicious mechanism for the reservation system. Take the example of Uri, where the Gujjar and Pahari communities fall under the reservation ambit, but a Kashmiri living side by side with them, under the same economic and geographical circumstances, does not qualify for the reserved category. Is this justice? What about the economically downtrodden population in Srinagar? Why should they not be eligible for reservations? And above all, what about merit? Should merit be disregarded? Due to all these issues, I believe there must be a fair and judicious mechanism for reservations. I also think reservations should be granted based on economic criteria.”
