Srinagar, Oct 9, KDC: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Thursday announced that the party will contest the upcoming by-elections in Budgam and Nagrota constituencies. The decision was taken during the party’s core group meeting held at its headquarters in Srinagar to discuss the current political scenario, party affairs, and pressing public issues.
Soon after the meeting, Bukhari as per Kashmir Dot Com addressed a crowded press conference flanked by senior party leaders, where he launched a sharp attack on the elected government, accusing it of failures, misgovernance, and betrayal of public trust.
“People had voted with great hopes and expectations in last year’s Assembly elections, but now, a year later, their hopes stand shattered as the ruling party has completely failed to provide effective governance or fulfil the promises it made before the polls,” Bukhari said.
He added, “A year has passed since the government took office, yet we see no signs of governance except the convoys of leaders on the streets. The working season is about to end, but only 30 to 35 percent of funds have been released, and barely 10 to 20 percent spent.”
Taking a dig at the BJP, Bukhari said, “Unfortunately, the BJP, which rules the country, has treated Jammu and Kashmir in a stepmotherly manner. The people of J&K will never forgive the party for the confusion and misgovernance it has caused. Even in Jammu, where it received a strong mandate, people today feel equally betrayed.”
He also criticized all political parties whose candidates were elected in last year’s polls, saying they have done nothing for the people except indulge in mudslinging. “Had they delivered anything, the detainees would not have remained in jail continuously,” he remarked.
Reiterating Apni Party’s earlier commitments, Bukhari said, “We had promised a general amnesty for prisoners if elected. I don’t regret losing the election, but I am saddened because, had we been given a chance, we could have achieved much for the public good.”
Urging the Union government to engage meaningfully with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Bukhari said, “Despite promises by the Hon’ble Prime Minister and Home Minister, no such engagement has taken place so far. J&K is not like Bihar or Delhi; this is a sensitive region bordering hostile neighbours. I appeal for a sincere and sustained dialogue with the people here.”
He also called upon regional political parties to unite in pressing for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, saying, “Can’t we all agree on such an important issue?”
Bukhari urged the administration to provide immediate relief and compensation to those associated with the horticulture industry, which suffered heavy losses due to adverse weather conditions. He also expressed concern over arrests and the invocation of the PSA in the Valley, stressing that no one should be harassed for their past affiliations.
Appealing to youth, he said, “I urge young people to contribute to peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir and not fall prey to provocation by any political entity.”
The meeting preceding the press conference was attended by several senior party leaders, including Senior Vice President Ghulam Hassan Mir, Chairman PAC Mohammad Dilawar Mir, Vice President Javaid Mustafa Mir, General Secretary Rafi Ahmad Mir, Additional General Secretary Hilal Ahmad Shah, Chief Coordinator Abdul Majeed Paddar, Provincial President Kashmir Mohammad Ashraf Mir, Chief Spokesperson Muntazir Mohiudin, Media Advisor Farooq Andrabi, State Youth President Yawar Dilawar Mir, Political Advisor Khawaja Farooq Renzu Shah, President Women’s Wing Dilshad Shaheen, and other district presidents and office bearers. (KDC)
