Srinagar: President J&K Apni Party Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Monday described the genesis of Apni Party as historic in nature for laying the edifice of a people-centric and pragmatic political discourse in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a Party convention at Dak Banglow-Karnah Tangdhar in Kupwara district, Bukhari said that March 8, 2020 will be remembered as a significant day in the political history of Jammu and Kashmir when a like-minded group of political veterans came together to side with the people’s aspirations who felt completely disempowered with certain political decisions taken in 2019.
He said that Apni Party has rigorously raised the public interest issues that affect the lives of the people on day to day basis without resorting to emotional blackmails and hollow sloganeering that was the hallmark of traditional political parties to deceive the people of J&K.
Bukhari asserted that Apni Party broke down the political Log-jam in the region which ultimately ushered in a new era that needs to be further bolstered by empowering the people of J&K.
“The statehood remains an inalienable right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir who have felt politically and economically disempowered after the abrogation of Article-370. However, as promised by the Central leadership on the floor of the Parliament, it is high time that restoration of Statehood is ensured before the upcoming assembly elections. This will remove the trust deficit and sense of alienation among the people,” Bukhari observed.
He underlined the significance of the construction of Sadhna tunnel that will not only cut short the distance but will further lead to economic prosperity of the sub-region.
“We have already put forth the demand of construction of this important tunnel before the Government of India and we are committed to pursue this prestigious project. The people of this sub-region who remain cut-off for six months from rest of the country need this tunnel in order to remain connected throughout the year. An all weather connectivity will not only bring economic prosperity but will also save the precious lives that get consumed by the weather vagaries and topography of this area,” he said.
Bukhari said the government is bound to take requisite measures to address this immense problem faced by the locals as it will effectively end the persisting shortage of essential commodities, medicines and necessary aid in case of natural calamities.
He said that the Party is resolute for the upliftment of the weaker sections of the society especially the old-age, physically challenged, widows and orphans. “It is regrettable that in a great country like India monthly social welfare pensions for the economically weaker sections is still at Rs 1000. However, if Apni Party comes to power, we will ensure that this honorarium is raised to Rs 5000 per month in all the categories,” he added.
Bukhari also reiterated that Apni Party, if supported by the people to form the government, will provide free first 500 units of electricity in summers and 300 units in winters to Jammu division while as first 500 units of electricity would be provided to the people of Kashmir division free of cost every month during winters and 300 units during summers.
He said that besides promoting Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojnana to the length and breadth of J&K, Apni Party will provide an additional four refill cylinders to every entitled beneficiary.
Apni Party President emphasized on the requisite empowerment of Pahari speaking people who have been an important part of the social fabric of J&K. “Our party will take all necessary steps that will ensure the rights of Pahari speaking people are safeguarded and their pressing grievances are resolved,” he said.
Responding to a question of the media persons on the sidelines of the function with regards to the recent cricket controversy, Bukhari said that Cricket is a game which should be purely taken as a sports activity.
“If students have behaved in some unacceptable manner, I still hope and believe that the Prime Minister of this great nation will intervene in this matter so that the future of these students is not ruined,” he remarked.
