SRINAGAR: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Friday blamed the government for “further increasing unemployment” by outsourcing jobs and “undermining democracy and democratic institutions by centralising power in the hands of one man at the helm of the government.”
He made these remarks while addressing workers’ conventions at Khanabal and Achabal in south Kashmir today.
During his address at the events, Bukhari said, “On the one hand, the government promised the youth employment opportunities, but on the other hand, they snatched away those very opportunities through the outsourcing of jobs. Instead of reducing unemployment, they have only made it worse.”
He further alleged that the government had failed to launch any employment-generating projects even after being in power for more than twenty months. “They have not initiated a single project so far to generate employment opportunities for the youth,” he said.
The Apni Party chief accused the ruling National Conference of undermining democratic institutions by centralising authority after assuming office. “In a democracy, elections are meant to empower the people. However, after coming to power, the National Conference concentrated authority in the hands of a single individual. This has weakened grassroots democracy and democratic institutions,” he said.
He further alleged that democratic values had been replaced by a culture of flattery. “Today, we have the rule of flatterers rather than the rule of democratic principles. Apni Party will continue its struggle against such undemocratic practices and work to ensure that the benefits of democracy reach the people. We remain committed to strengthening grassroots democratic institutions and restoring power to the people,” Mr Bukhari added.
He strongly criticised the government over what he described as its failure to provide effective governance and its inability to fulfil the promises it made during the election campaign. “The government has failed to deliver on the commitments it made to the people, who had given it a massive mandate after believing its assurances and election promises,” he said.
Addressing the Achabal gathering, Bukhari assured party workers that the Apni Party would soon launch a public outreach campaign in the area to strengthen its presence and expand its grassroots base. At Khanabal, he expressed gratitude to the party’s workers for remaining steadfast and loyal through the party’s ups and downs since its establishment.
Outsourcing jobs further increasing unemployment: Bukhari
