Apni Party will confront forces of divisive politics; bridge the gulf between communities: Altaf Bukhari

Srinagar: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Monday ridiculed the political forces that indulge in divisive politics and sow the seeds of discord in the socio-political fabric for reaping electoral dividends.
Addressing the Party’s DDC election campaign convention held at Gund Khwaja Qasim-Singhpora-Pattan in district Baramulla, Bukhari said that his Party is committed to bridge the gap that has been deliberately created between the communities, regions and sub regions in Jammu and Kashmir. “The cards of divisiveness and polarization played by some politicians with vested interests has not only created a huge gulf between the communities but has proved to be a huge hurdle in the way of development of the society in J&K,” he remarked.
Highlighting the dangers of divisive politics, Bukhari observed that this detestable trend poses a great risk to peace not only in Jammu and Kashmir given its political atmosphere but has far-reaching external ramifications as well. “Apni Party wants all the communities to work together as a unit in J&K for making our society to witness peace and progress. Our party has pledged to unite all the regions and sub regions of J&K to discard and confront these forces inimical to peace and amity with all its political might,” he averred. Bukhari said that the J&K has already suffered a lot due to divisive politics being played on the basis of community, sectarian or regional basis.
Speaking on the occasion, Apni Party Senior Vice President Ghulam Hassan Mir observed that there can be ideological differences in any society but that should not create an unmanageable gulf between the people. “I think J&K’s electorate is mature enough and have now resolved not to provide any space to the leaders who pit one section against the other,” Mir remarked. He said that the Apni Party is guided by the principles of inclusive politics and it would never condone the politics of sectarianism or communal polarization. “We have great leaders here who represent different ideologies and sects and have tremendous contribution in imparting socio-religious teachings among the people. But people should not fall prey to insinuations and think about the development of the society as a unit. This is what our Party’s political philosophy envisions and we all are committed to further this agenda,” Mir observed. The event was also addressed by the Party’s general secretary Rafi Ahmad Mir. In his speech, Mir appealed to the people to support the Apni Party contesting candidate Kaneez Fatima for her commitment and dedication shown for the public welfare. “People should inculcate a habit of making their representatives accountable. We believe that the lack of public accountability is responsible for the prevailing underdevelopment of Jammu and Kashmir,” the Apni Party General Secretary observed. He added that public accountability can ensure the holistic development of any region or sub-region as the representatives would be compelled to show performance on the ground.