SRINAGAR: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Sunday pledged that his party would compel New Delhi to restore the constitutional rights of Jammu and Kashmir while ensuring that the region’s demographic character and its Muslim-majority status remain protected from any interference.
Addressing a workers’ convention in Bandipora, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said the solution to all the issues confronting the people of Jammu and Kashmir lay in New Delhi and nowhere else.
He said, “Jammu and Kashmir is destined to remain a part of India, and the solutions to all our problems will also come from New Delhi, not from anywhere else. Apni Party will compel the Centre to restore the constitutional rights of J&K.”
He added, “Some people in Jammu and Kashmir are apprehensive about demographic changes and any attempt to alter the region’s Muslim-majority status. Apni Party will take up these concerns with the Centre and ensure they are addressed.”
He appealed to the Government of India to fulfil its promise of bridging the “Dili aur Dil Ki Dooriyan” (the gap between New Delhi and the hearts of the people of Jammu and Kashmir).
He said, “Hon’ble Prime Minister has committed that initiatives would be undertaken to bridge the “Dili aur Dil ki Dooriyan”. This is the right time for the Government of India to initiate a meaningful dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir so that their genuine concerns and grievances are heard, understood, and effectively addressed.”
During his speech, Bukhari also highlighted several local issues concerning Bandipora.He demanded the immediate construction of the Gurez Tunnel to ensure all-weather connectivity between the Gurez Valley and the rest of Kashmir by bypassing the snowbound Razdan Pass. He also demanded the construction of the Bandipora–Sogam Road.
He blamed parties that have remained in power over the years for keeping Bandipora underdeveloped.
He said, “Even hospitals and schools in the district lack adequate infrastructure and qualified professional staff.” He also demanded the provision of basic amenities, especially potable drinking water, in tribal villages across Bandipora.
Expressing concern over the issue of mining, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said that local people had been deprived of their traditional rights while outsiders had been granted permission to extract mining material worth millions from rivers for nominal payments.
“Locals have been denied their traditional manual mining. This has to change, and Apni Party will ensure that local people get their rightful share in mining so they can continue their traditional livelihood,” he said.
He also expressed grave concern over rising unemployment, saying that educated youth were becoming increasingly frustrated because of the lack of job opportunities.
“It is the responsibility of the government to create employment opportunities for our youth. One of the reasons behind the growing drug menace is unemployment,” he said.