Apni Party’s Bukhari vows to engage Centre for J&K rights

Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Thursday, 5 November, directed party leaders and workers to stand with the people of Jammu and Kashmir amid what he called growing political uncertainty, insecurity and economic challenges. Addressing a provincial-level meeting in Srinagar, Bukhari said traditional parties, particularly the ruling National Conference, had failed to address public concerns. He blamed the NC and the BJP for delaying Panchayat and Urban Local Bodies elections and accused the NC of denying people local representation.

Bukhari promised to urge the Centre to start a meaningful dialogue to bridge the trust deficit and safeguard the rights of the people. He also called attention to rising unemployment among youth, urged fair opportunities for those in jail to return home, and said young people should not be denied passports. He recalled the party’s role after 5 August 2019, when it chose to engage with the government to protect land and job rights and the Muslim-majority character of the region.