Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir (India): Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, President of the Apni Party of Jammu and Kashmir, on Monday urged the government to hold Urban Local Body (ULB) and Panchayat elections in the Union Territory.
Bukhari was speaking in the winter capital, Jammu, where he chaired an important meeting at the party office in the Gandhi Nagar area of Jammu district to deliberate on public issues.
A formal press statement quoted Altaf Bukhari as expressing concern over the prolonged delay in holding ULB and Panchayat elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
“The continued delay of these polls is depriving people of their democratic right to choose their representatives at the grassroots level,” he said, urging the government to conduct these elections without further delay.He made these remarks while chairing a crucial party meeting in Jammu.
The meeting, aimed at reviewing preparations for the party’s upcoming organisational elections, was attended by senior leaders and prominent party workers from across the Jammu province.
Addressing the gathering, Altaf Bukhari urged party leaders to ensure the smooth and transparent conduct of elections for party office-bearers.
“These elections are being held to strengthen a democratic culture within the organisation and to ensure that party office-bearers are elected purely on merit. It is our collective responsibility to maintain transparency and fairness in this democratic process,” he said.
During the meeting, participants apprised the party president of several pressing public issues and grievances faced by the people, besides discussing organisational matters.
Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari also expressed deep concern over rising unemployment and inflation in Jammu and Kashmir. He urged the government to take concrete measures to create employment opportunities and control inflation so that people receive much-needed relief.
He reiterated his demand for the immediate conduct of ULB and Panchayat elections in the Union Territory.