SRINAGAR: Former legislator and Chairman of the Parliamentary Affairs Committee of the Apni Party, Mohammad Dilawar Mir, said on Sunday that Apni Party is committed to freeing the people of Jammu and Kashmir from the “traditional politics of falsehood and deceit”. He emphasised that the Apni Party’s agenda is deeply rooted in the politics of truthfulness and the personal integrity of its leaders.
Mir made these remarks today while addressing party workers’ convention in south Kashmir’s Kulgam. The event was attended by a large number of leaders and senior workers from across the district. This convention was part of a series of events currently being held by the party across various districts in the Valley to establish a closer connection with grassroots workers and the masses.
Addressing the gathering, Dilawar Mir spoke about the chaotic circumstances under which the Apni Party was established over five years ago. He said, ‘The Apni Party was founded with a clear aim: to protect the rights of the people and work for their well-being and prosperity. The party came into existence in March 2020, during a period of extreme turmoil in Jammu and Kashmir, following the revocation of its special status and statehood. At that time, thousands of people were behind bars. The entire region was under lockdown, businesses were shut down, and roads and highways were blocked.”
He went on to say, “We, almost forty former MLAs, MLCs, and Ministers met and had thorough discussions about the situation. We wanted to stand by our people and play a constructive and optimistic role during that challenging time. Eventually, we decided to join hands and establish this party under the leadership of Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari. We then approached New Delhi, seeking appointments with the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Hon’ble Home Minister. During our meetings with them, we strongly advocated for the interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. As a result, we received assurances that there would be no demographic changes in the region and that the people of J&K would continue to have special rights over land and jobs. This was our achievement.”
Dilawar Mir said, “The leadership of the Apni Party has made a conscious and deliberate decision that, unlike traditional parties, we would not engage in the politics of falsehood and deceit. This principled stand is one of the reasons we lost elections — because we chose to speak the truth to the people rather than make false and unrealistic promises, as other political parties have done. A defamation campaign was launched against the Apni Party, yet we stand here today exonerated, while those who levelled baseless allegations against us have been exposed before the public for the false promises they made.”
Speaking on the occasion, the party’s General Secretary, Rafi Ahmad Mir, accused traditional political parties of misleading the people with emotional sloganeering and false promises. He said, “These parties and their leaders have always misled people for their own political benefit.”
Addressing the workers’ convention, party’s Additional General Secretary Hilal Ahmad Shah said, “After August 5, 2019, the people of Jammu and Kashmir were left feeling vulnerable, fearing the loss of their exclusive rights to land and jobs. These concerns were valid, as in most Union Territories, people from any part of the country can apply for jobs and buy land. However, soon after its formation, the Apni Party convinced the central government in New Delhi to ensure that the special rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir over land and jobs would remain protected.”
The Party’s Chief Coordinator and District President of Kulgamir Abdul Majid Padder, while addressing the convention, said that the administration has failed to address public issues and grievances.
The Party’s Provincial President, Mohammad Ashraf Mir, while addressing the convention, urged the workers to “enhance their political and public outreach activities.” He said, “The party is currently holding conventions across various districts in the Valley. Once this process is complete, we will begin constituency-wise outreach activities. These events are aimed at staying closely connected with both our workers and the people.”
Apni Party says committed to ‘truthful politics’, defending J&K’s rights
