Srinagar, June 21, KDC: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Sunday called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at the Lok Bhavan in Srinagar and discussed the prevailing political and security situation in Jammu and Kashmir besides raising a range of public issues and grievances.
According to a press release issued by the party, Bukhari apprised the Lieutenant Governor of several issues affecting the people and urged him to ensure their prompt resolution.
He expressed concern over the inadequate supply of drinking water in various parts of Srinagar and the shortage of irrigation water in several areas of the Valley, saying that the situation has adversely affected residents and farmers, particularly those engaged in paddy cultivation.
Bukhari said the departments and officials responsible for addressing these issues do not appear to be giving them the attention they deserve, resulting in hardships for people and affecting their daily lives and livelihoods.
The Apni Party president also raised the issue of Kashmiri mutton traders allegedly being subjected to undue charges while transporting livestock into Jammu and Kashmir. He said vehicles carrying livestock into the Union Territory through Punjab are being charged between Rs 15,000 and Rs 20,000 at the Simbu and Madhopur checkpoints.
Describing these charges as “unjustified”, Bukhari pointed out that J&K traders do not procure livestock from Punjab but from states such as Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi. He said the additional charges ultimately contribute to price inflation and place an extra burden on consumers in Jammu and Kashmir. He sought the intervention of the Lieutenant Governor to end the practice.
According to the statement, the Lieutenant Governor assured Bukhari that he would take up the matter with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and make efforts to ensure that the prevailing practice of fee collection is discontinued.
Bukhari also thanked the Lieutenant Governor for the decision to reopen the historic Naranag Temple in Ganderbal district for devotees and tourists. At the same time, he urged the administration to consider reopening other tourist destinations that were closed following the terror attack in Pahalgam last year.
He specifically mentioned tourist spots such as Vijitop in Rafiabad, Aharbal and Yusmarg, saying that the livelihoods of many local residents depend on tourism-related activities in these areas. In response, the Lieutenant Governor said the administration is regularly reviewing the security situation and assured that all closed tourist destinations would be reopened in a phased manner.
The Apni Party president also highlighted the developmental deficit, particularly in Srinagar city, and stressed the urgent need for repair and reconstruction of roads, lanes and by-lanes across various areas.
Bukhari further raised concerns over allegations of backdoor appointments, saying that such allegations create a sense of frustration and disappointment among youth who aspire for transparent and merit-based recruitment processes.
He also apprised the Lieutenant Governor of complaints from residents of Uri, especially local youth, regarding their alleged exclusion from employment opportunities arising out of the Uri Power Project. He stressed that deserving local candidates should be provided jobs and that local truck owners and operators of earthmovers and other machinery should be given adequate opportunities to participate in project-related works.
On all the issues raised during the meeting, the Lieutenant Governor assured Bukhari that he would personally look into the matters and ensure that all genuine concerns are addressed promptly and effectively, reiterating his commitment to resolving public grievances. (KDC)
