SRINAGAR, JULY 01: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad AltafBukhari on Monday called upon the central government to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir before holding assembly elections. He emphasized that the statehood must be the same as it was before August 5, 2019, asserting that a Delhi-like statehood would be unacceptable to the Apni Party.
During a crucial party meeting at the Apni Party headquarters in Srinagar, Bukhari reiterated his demand for the release of detainees and the revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in J&K. He also called for reinstating the gazetted holiday on July 13, commemorating the martyrs of 1931, and urged the government to fill vacant posts in government departments.
Addressing party members, Bukhari stressed the party’s commitment to a pro-people agenda, devoid of affiliations or alliances with other political organizations. “To safeguard the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, it is essential to restore statehood even before conducting assembly elections. Therefore, I urge the central government to fulfill its commitment regarding the restoration of statehood to J&K prior to the elections,” he stated.
Bukhari firmly opposed any changes to the pre-August 5, 2019 statehood status, saying, “Any distortion to that statehood or any attempt to impose a Delhi-like statehood will not be acceptable to the Apni Party, and we will oppose it tooth and nail.”
Expressing displeasure over the halting of civilian traffic on highways to prioritize security forces and AmarnathYatris, Bukhari criticized, “Disturbing reports indicate civilians are being stranded on highways for long periods to facilitate security forces and pilgrims. This injustice subjects common people to immense suffering during these hot summer days.”
“We welcome the AmarnathYatra and want the administration to provide all required facilities for pilgrims to perform their religious pilgrimage. However, facilitating the yatris should not come at the cost of denying civilians their rights or subjecting them to sufferings,” he added.
Advocating for the release of detainees, Bukhari urged the government to release individuals who have been detained for an extended period. “With the improved situation and efforts towards sustained peace, these individuals should be reunited with their families to resume normal lives.”
He also highlighted issues of unemployment and inflation, urging the government to promptly fill vacant posts in government departments to control the rising unemployment rate. Additionally, Bukhari condemned the attempted demolition of a mosque in Kathua, demanding legal consequences for those responsible. “The revenue records confirm the land belonged to Muslims even in 1930, and they built a mosque on it. Authorities must ensure such incidents do not recur,” he emphasized.
Bukhari also called for a reduction in electricity tariffs, noting the burden on low-income families due to recent increases in fees, and urged the government to provide relief to those affected.
