DD Correspondent
Srinagar: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Wednesday said the rights Jammu and Kashmir lost on August 5, 2019, could not be regained through protests or confrontation, but through dialogue, consultation and a clear roadmap.
“August 5 is a dark day for Jammu and Kashmir, and it will remain so until our rights are restored,” Bukhari said while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a joining event at the party headquarters in Srinagar.
He stressed the need for the Government of India to engage with the people of Jammu and Kashmir to address their genuine demands and grievances and bridge the existing trust deficit.
Bukhari said the Apni Party would support any political party raising genuine public issues, including restoration of statehood, Articles 370 and 35A, release of prisoners, employment opportunities and other pressing concerns.
On PDP president Mehbooba Mufti’s controversial remarks at Jantar Mantar and her subsequent apology, Bukhari said, “Since Mehbooba Mufti has apologised for her offensive remarks, the matter should end there.”
Responding to a question about the BJP’s electoral politics in the Jammu region, he said it appeared that a majority of Hindus in Jammu had realised that politics based on religion was harmful to the larger interests of Jammu and Kashmir.
Meanwhile, senior Apni Party leader and Chairman of the Parliamentary Affairs Committee, Mohammad Dilawar Mir, welcomed prominent political and social activists from Sopore who joined the party along with their supporters.
Mir said Sopore had historically and politically played an important role in Jammu and Kashmir and stressed the need to restore its significance. He also called upon the youth to play a key role in reclaiming the town’s historical and political importance.
“The biggest challenge before us is to ensure a better future for our younger generation. It is our collective responsibility to safeguard their future and create opportunities that enable them to build a better and more prosperous life,” he said.
Those who joined the Apni Party included Mohammad Ramzan Malik, Irshad Ahmad Ganai, Javaid Mohammad Mir, Mohammad Hussain Wandru, Mubashir Ahad Wani, Hilal Ahmad Sheikh, Firdous Ahmad Mir and Rifaz Ahmad Lone, along with their teams and associates.
Several senior party leaders and office-bearers were present on the occasion and welcomed the new entrants.
