DD Correspondent
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 essential for the development and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir.”
He said that Apni Party supports dialogue between India and Pakistan if it helps ensure lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir. “Peace is paramount for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. If both neighbouring countries engage in dialogue and it leads to peace in the region, we will be the happiest people to support such a move,” he said.
He further stated, “I have consistently demanded that the Centre initiate dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir because only dialogue can address their issues and grievances. I am glad that even those who once opposed dialogue are now supporting it. Dialogue remains the only way forward.”
Criticising the outsourcing of government jobs in Jammu and Kashmir, Bukhari said, “It is no justification to claim that the previous government followed the same practice. Outsourcing jobs, whether by the present or previous government, is a cruel joke on unemployed youth struggling to find employment. This practice must be discontinued immediately.”
Bukhari made these remarks while speaking to reporters after a function at the party headquarters in Srinagar, where several prominent political and social leaders and activists joined Apni Party.
Among those who joined the party were former SMC Srinagar Secretary Sofi Mohammad Akbar, former DDC Member and former PDP Zone President 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 several others along with their supporters.
On the occasion, Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari and other senior leaders extended a warm welcome to the new entrants.
Welcoming them, Bukhari said, “I warmly welcome you all to Apni Party. Together, we will strengthen the party’s pro-people agenda and work more effectively for peace, prosperity, and development. Our mission is to serve the people with sincerity and commitment.”
He added, “Apni Party firmly believes that many of the wounds suffered by the people of Jammu and Kashmir have been inflicted over decades by successive governments in Delhi. At the same time, we believe that the solutions to our challenges will also come from Delhi—not from Islamabad, London, or America. We remain committed to securing the rights, dignity, and aspirations of the people through democratic and constructive engagement.”
Referring to the 2024 Assembly elections, Bukhari said, “We could not secure victory, perhaps because our opponents resorted to character assassination, false allegations, and misinformation. Today, however, they stand exposed before the people.”
“The public now understands that traditional political parties misled them with false promises and emotional slogans during the 2024 election campaign. The truth has emerged, and those who deceived the people now stand exposed,” he added.
Making a direct appeal to the Prime Minister, Bukhari urged him to initiate dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir to address their long-pending issues.
“I want to tell the Prime Minister that our people are not asking for the moon and the stars. They seek only the same constitutional rights that every citizen of this country enjoys,” he said.
He further added, “Our youth often feel insecure outside Jammu and Kashmir. Even today, many are summoned to police stations on occasions such as August 15 and January 26. They deserve security and dignity both within and outside Jammu and Kashmir. You had promised dialogue with the people. The time has come to fulfil that promise. Their patience is wearing thin, and their genuine grievances require immediate attention.”
Expressing concern over the domicile policy, Bukhari said that the elected government has shown little interest in recommending an increase in the existing 15-year residency requirement for obtaining domicile in Jammu and Kashmir.
He urged the Central Government to extend the residency requirement for domicile eligibility to at least 35 years, if not 50 years. “If such a provision can exist in Himachal Pradesh, why can’t it be implemented in Jammu and Kashmir?” he asked.
Bukhari also appealed to the administration to ensure that, while making comprehensive arrangements for a safe, secure, and smooth Amarnath Yatra, equal attention is paid to the convenience of local residents so they do not face unnecessary hardship due to security measures.
Besides Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, those present on the occasion included Senior Vice President Ghulam Hassan Mir, Chairman of the Parliamentary Affairs Committee Mohammad Dilawar Mir, Provincial President Kashmir Mohammad Ashraf Mir, Chief Spokesperson and State Secretary Muntazir Mohiuddin, Media Advisor Farooq Andrabi, Secretary Organisation and Spokesperson Dr. Harbaksh Singh, District President Pulwama Dr. Samiullah, Vice President Srinagar and Constituency In-charge Central Shalteng Zaffar Habib, Tajalah Andrabi, and other party leaders.
