SRINAGAR: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Wednesday said that “lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir can only be achieved through meaningful dialogue between the Government of India and the people of the region”.
Stressing that peace is the cornerstone of progress, he said, “Peace is utmost essential for the development and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir.”
He said that Apni Party endorses calls for dialogue between India and Pakistan. He said that if such a dialogue ensures peace in Jammu and Kashmir, they would be the happiest people to support such a move. He said, “Peace is paramount for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. If both the neighbouring countries talk to each other and that leads to peace in Jammu and Kashmir, we would be the happiest people.”
He further said, “I have been consistently demanding that the Centre initiate a dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir because I understand that only dialogue can ensure the redressal of issues and grievances. I am happy that today even those who opposed dialogue earlier are supporting it. Dialogue is the only way to address issues.”
Taking a dig at the government over the outsourcing of jobs in Jammu and Kashmir, he said, “It is no justification to say that the previous government did the same. Outsourcing jobs, whether by the present government or the previous one, is a cruel joke on unemployed youth who are grappling with unemployment. This practice is being carried out at the cost of unemployed youth. It must be abandoned immediately.”
Bukhari made these remarks today while talking to reporters after an event at the party headquarters in Srinagar. This event was organised to extend a warm welcome to several prominent political and social leaders and activists into the party fold.
Those who joined the party included former SMC Srinagar Secretary Sofi Mohammad Akbar, former DDC Member and ex-Zone President of PDP Abdul Qayoom Mir, renowned businessman and Sarparast-e-Aala of the All J&K Wood Suppliers Union Gulzar Ahmad Pardesi, social and political activist Indumeet Singh, and others. They all joined the party along with their respective teams.
On this occasion, Altaf Bukhari and other senior party leaders extended a warm welcome to the new entrents.
Speaking about the “harsh propaganda” carried out against Apni Party by its political opponents during the 2024 Assembly elections, Bukhari said, “We could not secure victory in the 2024 Assembly elections, perhaps because our opponents resorted to character assassination, false accusations, and propaganda against us. However, today they stand completely exposed before the people.”
Bukhari made a direct appeal to the Prime Minister, urging him to initiate a dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir and address their long-pending issues. He said, “I want to tell the Hon’ble Prime Minister that our people do not demand the moon and the stars. They seek only those same rights that the Constitution guarantees to every citizen of this nation.”