DD Correspondent
Srinagar: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Thursday termed the National Conference’s proposed sit-in at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar a “political drama” aimed at misleading the people and strengthening its own government rather than securing Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.
Addressing a workers’ meeting at Dak Bungalow in Poonch, organised by the party’s Senior Vice President for Jammu Province, Shah Mohammad Tantray, Bukhari said that had the NC been serious about restoring statehood, it would have raised the demand consistently over the past six years, particularly after receiving a massive mandate in the 2024 Assembly elections.
“They remained silent when they formed the government and are raising the issue now only to strengthen their own position. They are least concerned about the people’s rights or statehood,” he said.
Bukhari reiterated that the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood is a matter of honour and dignity for its people and said the Apni Party has been committed to this cause since its inception.
“We believe statehood and other issues can be resolved through meaningful dialogue and sustained engagement with the Centre, not through confrontation and protests,” he said.
The Apni Party chief expressed concern over the hardships faced by people in the border districts of Poonch and Rajouri and criticised the government for failing to address their issues.
He urged the Government of India to establish a special police battalion by recruiting youth from border areas such as Poonch, Rajouri, Uri, Karnah and Samba.
“This will enable local youth to serve and protect their communities while also earning a stable livelihood,” he said.
Bukhari also advocated for improved connectivity between Poonch and Uri through the construction of a tunnel across the Pir Panjal region at Haji Pir, saying it would provide all-weather connectivity and help restore the historical significance of both regions.
Criticising the ruling party, he said the NC has repeatedly changed its political narrative—from plebiscite and autonomy to Articles 370 and 35A, and now statehood.
“Wait for some time, and they will stop talking about statehood as well,” he remarked.
Bukhari also accused successive traditional political parties of being responsible for the suffering of the people over the past several decades and criticised the government for delaying Panchayat and Urban Local Body elections.
“By not holding these elections, the government is depriving people of their democratic right to elect representatives at the grassroots level. Around 17,000 representatives could be elected if these polls are conducted,” he said.
Addressing the gathering, Apni Party Senior Vice President Ghulam Hassan Mir stressed the need to reconstruct the historic Poonch-Uri and Poonch-Tangmarg roads.
“More than 75 years have passed, but no government has taken serious steps to restore Poonch’s lost importance. Reconnecting these regions through roads and tunnels will revive their historic glory and bring the people closer,” he said.
Provincial President Jammu, Manjit Singh, highlighted the Apni Party’s role in safeguarding the land and job rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A.
Several senior party leaders and workers were present on the occasion.