We believe in dialogue, reconciliation, not protests, confrontations: Bukhari
Srinagar: Apni Party on Saturday announced its support for the ruling National Conference’s demand for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. However, the party decided not to participate in the National Conference’s proposed sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 20.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the party’s senior leadership at its Srinagar headquarters. Pertinently, NC has invited political parties and individuals to participate in its proposed protest in Delhi to press for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
After today’s meeting, party’s president, Bukhari, announced at a press conference the unanimous decision and said since the demand for the statehood to Jammu and Kashmir reflects the aspiration of the people, we fully support the demand, however, in today’s meeting it was decided that we will not be the part of NC’s proposed protest in Delhi.
He said, “We met and discussed the issue thoroughly. It was decided that we would not be part of this protest. Apni Party believes that the issues and grievances faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and their genuine demands including the restoration of statehood and other constitutional rights, can be achieved through a meaningful dialogue with the Government of India rather than through protests. We believe in duologue and reconciliation, not in protests and confrontations.”
Apni Party President said that the restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir has been one of the party’s core agendas since its inception.
Taking a swipe at National Conference, Bukhari said, “We are happy that the NC has finally endorsed the people’s demand for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, although it took the ruling party six years to do so.”
He also criticised the National Conference for avoiding broader consultations on the demand for the restoration of statehood. He said, “NC took this decision on its own. It decided to go ahead with the protest. Had it held broader consultations with all stakeholders, a better and more effective way of presenting the demand for the restoration of statehood before New Delhi might have emerged.”
However, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari clarified that “Apni Party is not supporting the NC’s protest, but it fully supports the demand for the restoration of statehood, as this demand reflects the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.” He further said, “However, I am apprehensive that if every political party starts taking unilateral decisions on the issue of restoring statehood merely to score political points, we may end up achieving nothing.”
Urging broader political unity to ensure that the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir are protected and their genuine aspirations are fulfilled, Bukhari said, “On important issues such as the restoration of statehood, constitutional guarantees to protect the exclusive rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir over land and jobs, the release of detainees, and other key public concerns, all political parties must build consensus and speak with one voice. Only a united approach can effectively safeguard the rights, interests, and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”