Srinagar : Apni Party President Syed Mohammad AltafBukhari, on Wednesday, said that alliances between regional and national parties have repeatedly caused suffering to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, as seen in the 1987, 2008, and 2014 assembly elections, adding therein that “the coalition governments formed from these elections have caused significant turmoil, leading to deaths and destruction in the region.” He reaffirmed that the Apni Party will contest the upcoming assembly elections independently, without seeking or offering support to any other political entity. Bukhari also said that “rather than focusing on India-Pakistan issues, I am more concerned with the grievances and problems faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”
Campaigning in his home constituency Chanpora where he engaged with voters and urged their vote and support Bukhari discussed with the voters his vision for the development of his home constituency and for enhancing the well-being and prosperity of its residents. “Bukhari gave a patient hearing to the public complaints and assured them that he would bring these issues to the notice of the concerned officials, ensuring the redressal of these problems”, reads a party statement issued here on Wednesday.
Talking to reporters about the relationship between India and Pakistan Bukhari said “Instead of focussing on these matters, I am more concerned about the grievances and issues of the local population in Jammu and Kashmir. That’s why our manifesto includes promises such as releasing prisoners, granting general amnesty to youth facing charges, filling two lakh vacant government jobs, regularising daily wagers, granting minority status to the Sikh community, facilitating the return of Kashmiri Pandits, providing free electricity to households, enhancing old age pensions, and financial assistance for the marriages of poor girls. We believe these are the real issues, and we are committed to addressing them. Whether trade relations between India and Pakistan are restored is a matter for the governments of the two nations to decide.”
On religious organisations, Bukhari said, “I have always supported religious organisations and their leaders because I believe that they play an important role in improving society. Our younger generation and future generations need guidance from religious institutions and Islamic scholars to lead lives with high moral standards. Therefore, I am pleased to see that some candidates from religious parties are in the poll fray. This also reflects a positive shift in the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.”
