DD Correspondent
SRINAGAR: Veteran politician and former National Conference (NC) leader Mohammad Syed Akhoon on Thursday joined the Apni Party along with a large number of his supporters and associates.
A former MLA from the Hazratbal constituency, Akhoon was welcomed into the party by Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari and other senior leaders during a joining ceremony at the party headquarters in Srinagar.
Welcoming Akhoon, Bukhari said his vast political experience, wisdom and integrity would strengthen the party and help advance its mission of serving the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Calling on people to join the Apni Party, Bukhari said the party remains committed to ending the prevailing political impasse and restoring the rights and dignity of the people through dialogue rather than confrontation.
He said the Apni Party was founded in March 2020 to provide a credible political platform during one of the most challenging phases in Jammu and Kashmir’s history and remains open to everyone dedicated to public service.
Criticising the ruling dispensation, Bukhari alleged that traditional political parties have focused more on power than addressing people’s concerns. He accused them of failing to raise issues affecting the people, including unemployment, civic infrastructure, public services and the plight of detainees.
He also criticised political parties for engaging in mutual accusations instead of resolving pressing public issues, saying the people of Srinagar continue to face inadequate civic amenities, poor infrastructure, housing shortages and unemployment.
Speaking on the occasion, Mohammad Syed Akhoon said he joined the Apni Party because he believes it is committed to the welfare and development of the people. Referring to his time in the National Conference, he claimed he had cautioned the party leadership against making election promises that could not be fulfilled under the Union Territory’s limited administrative powers.
Several senior Apni Party leaders, including Senior Vice President Ghulam Hassan Mir, Chairman PAC Mohammad Dilawar Mir, General Secretary Rafi Ahmad Mir and other office-bearers, were present on the occasion to welcome Akhoon and his supporters.
