Srinagar, July 20 (KNS) : Former legislator and Chairman of the Parliamentary Affairs Committee of the Apni Party, Mohammad Dilawar Mir, said on Sunday that Apni Party is committed to freeing the people of Jammu and Kashmir from the traditional politics of falsehood and deceit. He emphasised that the Apni Party's agenda is deeply rooted in the politics of truthfulness and the personal integrity of its leaders.
Mir made these remarks today while addressing party workers’ convention in south Kashmir’s Kulgam. The event was attended by a large number of leaders and senior workers from across the district. This convention was part of a series of events currently being held by the party across various districts in the Valley to establish a closer connection with grassroots workers and the masses.
Addressing the gathering, Dilawar Mir spoke about the chaotic circumstances under which the Apni Party was established over five years ago. He said, 'The Apni Party was founded with a clear aim: to protect the rights of the people and work for their well-being and prosperity. The party came into existence in March 2020, during a period of extreme turmoil in Jammu and Kashmir, following the revocation of its special status and statehood. At that time, thousands of people were behind bars. The entire region was under lockdown, businesses were shut down, and roads and highways were blocked.”
He went on to say, “We, almost forty former MLAs, MLCs, and Ministers met and had thorough discussions about the situation. We wanted to stand by our people and play a constructive and optimistic role during that challenging time. Eventually, we decided to join hands and establish this party under the leadership of Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari. We then approached New Delhi, seeking appointments with the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Hon’ble Home Minister. During our meetings with them, we strongly advocated for the interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. As a result, we received assurances that there would be no demographic changes in the region and that the people of J&K would continue to have special rights over land and jobs. This was our achievement.”
Dilawar Mir said that “the leadership of the Apni Party has made a conscious and deliberate decision that, unlike traditional parties, we would not engage in the politics of falsehood and deceit. This principled stand is one of the reasons we lost elections — because we chose to speak the truth to the people rather than make false and unrealistic promises, as other political parties have done. A defamation campaign was launched against the Apni Party, yet we stand here today exonerated, while those who levelled baseless allegations against us have been exposed before the public for the false promises they made.”
Speaking on the occasion, the party’s General Secretary, Rafi Ahmad Mir, accused traditional political parties of misleading the people with emotional sloganeering and false promises. He said, “These parties and their leaders have always misled people for their own political benefit.”
He further said, "During 1953 to 1975 , people were told that a certain party was fighting for the so-called 'Raishumari' (plebiscite) movement. However, after 22 years, the same leaders suddenly ended the movement, calling it nothing more than 'Awaragardi' (aimless wandering).Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelIn 1975, all the laws and amendments passed during those 22 years — which had gradually weakened Jammu and Kashmir’s autonomy — were accepted and officially ratified by the same leaders.
“They have a history of deceit, and their most recent deceptions were seen during the elections, when they made false promises to the people just to gain votes,” Mir added.
Addressing the workers’ convention, party’s Additional General Secretary Hilal Ahmad Shah said, “After August 5, 2019, the people of Jammu and Kashmir were left feeling vulnerable, fearing the loss of their exclusive rights to land and jobs. These concerns were valid, as in most Union Territories, people from any part of the country can apply for jobs and buy land. However, soon after its formation, the Apni Party convinced the central government in New Delhi to ensure that the special rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir over land and jobs would remain protected.”
Shah assured that the Apni Party will always stand with the people and continue to fight for their rights. He said, 'We are committed to serving the people, no matter what challenges come our way. We will continue to strive for the restoration of their rights and work towards ensuring the political and economic empowerment of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Party’s Chief Coordinator and District President of Kulgamir Abdul Majid Padder, while addressing the convention, said that the administration has failed to address public issues and grievances.
He said, “This government has completely failed on all fronts. The ruling party made deceptive promises during their election campaign, misleading the people. They claimed they would provide one lakh jobs within the first six months of coming to power. They also promised a specific amount of free electricity and gas to consumers and assured an increase in the ration quota. All these promises turned out to be false—made only to fool the people and secure votes.”
The Party’s Provincial President, Mohammad Ashraf Mir, while addressing the convention, urged the workers to “enhance their political and public outreach activities.” He said, “The party is currently holding conventions across various districts in the Valley. Once this process is complete, we will begin constituency-wise outreach activities. These events are aimed at staying closely connected with both our workers and the people.”
The other prominent party leaders and senior workers who were present on the occasion included the President of the party’s Youth Wing Yawar Dilawar Mir, Provincial Vice President Hakikat Singh, In-charge Devsar constituency Riyaz Ahmad Bhat, In-charge Kulgam constituency Engineer Aqib, DDC Vice Chairman Shazia Jan, Vice President Youth District Kulgam Mohammad Ashraf Dar, Zonal President Devsar Mohammad Ismail, Block President Devsar Mohammad Shafi, Block President Kund Imtiyaz Ahmad Bhat, Block President Qaymou Mohamamd Amin Yatoo, Zonal President D.H. Pora Abdul Hameed Dar, Block President D.K Marg Showkat Ahmad Najar, Block President D.H Pora Mohammad Ayoub Bhat, Block President Manzgam Tajamul Shafi, Block President Phalo Nazir Ahmad, and others.(KNS)