Srinagar, March 8 (KNS): Apni Party marked its fourth foundation day with vibrant celebrations spanning all constituencies across Jammu and Kashmir, while as the party president, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, addressed a large gathering of party leaders and senior workers at the exclusive gathering held at the party headquarters in Srinagar.
On this occasion, the young and enthusiastic workers raised slogans hailing the party leadership and their vision for a better future of Jammu and Kashmir.
In his speech, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said that he was expecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to announce some significant decisions during his recent visit to Srinagar. However, Mr. Bukhari expressed hope that the Prime Minister will ensure that these crucial decisions are taken and announced soon.
He said, “The way people in Kashmir thronged to the Prime Minister’s rally yesterday was a clear indication that people are in favor of peace and harmony. I am happy that the Prime Minister experienced public enthusiasm firsthand.”
He went on to say, “We were expecting the Prime Minister to declare the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir during his visit to Kashmir. Also, we were hopeful for announcements regarding the prompt holding of assembly elections, granting pardons to detainees, and outlining a roadmap for the return of our Pandit brethren. However, none of that happened. Nevertheless, I am confident that, seeing a positive change on the ground in Kashmir, the Prime Minister will consider these longstanding demands from the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”
Apni Party President expressed his annoyance over the detention of several youths prior to the Prime Minister's visit to Kashmir.
He said, “I have been informed that certain individuals, who may have been involved in stone pelting at some point in the past, were detained in police stations during the Prime Minister's visit. This action was unnecessary. The situation has evolved, and people are now actively contributing to peace and harmony here. Therefore, the old practice, in the name of precautionary measures, must be stopped.”
Extending his warm greetings to his fellow leaders and party workers on the foundation day anniversary Sayed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said, “Today marks a significant milestone for all of us, as the Apni Party has established its foothold and gained public acceptance and popularity in the shortest period of time since its inception on March 8, 2020. It is a success story, as this party has emerged as a reliable alternative in Jammu and Kashmir's political scenario.”
He further said, “Post August 2019, it was not an easy task to establish a new political party in order to stand by the people and give them a voice. After the abrogation of Article 370, the entire Jammu and Kashmir remained in great chaos and uncertainty for months. At that time, thousands of people had been lodged in jails, and the entire J&K was literally crippled with all shops and businesses closed down, and communication links shrunk. The situation was so unpredictable that even the traditional parties and their leaders chose to remain silent. However, we decided to come forward to speak on behalf of the people and stand by them at that time of crisis.”
“At that point in time, everybody was apprehensive that Jammu and Kashmir would lose its identity, and demographic changes would occur. In our first meeting with the Prime Minister and other leaders in the government in Delhi, we convinced them to announce that J&K people would have exclusive rights to agricultural land and jobs in this region. I assure you that once the Apni Party secures a public mandate, we will strive to ensure that the central government provides constitutional support for this commitment,” he added.
Affirming his conviction about his political ideology, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said, “Unlike traditional political parties, our approach to politics is not rooted in lies and deception. We do not believe in lying to the people or misleading them through fake narratives. We are striving for Haq-o-Insaaf (truth and justice) and working Fi Sabilillah (For God’s sake I assure you that we will never resort to misleading the people with false promises or emotional slogans.”
Felicitating the womenfolk on International Women's Day, Apni Party president said, “We chose March 8 for launching the Apni Party in 2020, as this day is celebrated as a woman’s day globally. We chose this day as a foundation day for our party out of our respect towards the womenfolk, and today, I promise you that the Apni Party, when it receives public mandate to serve, will implement our vision for the empowerment of J&K women.”
The prominent party leaders who were present on the occasion, included the party’s Vice President Zaffar Iqbal Manhas, Provincial President Mohammad Ashraf Mir, District President Kupwara Raja Manzoor, Provincial Secretary and Chairman DDC Srinagar Malik Aftab, Media Advisor Farooq Andrabi, State Secretary Haji Parvez, Provencial President for the party’s Women Wing Dilshada Shaheen, Provincial President Youth Wing Khalid Rathore, General Secretary ST Wing Khalid Badhana, in charge for the Pampore constituency Altaf Mir, party in charge for the Chanapora constituency Mohammad Ashraf Dar, Provincial Secretary Najeeb Naqvi, district Vice President Srinagar Aijaz Ahmad Rather, Ward President Chanapora Mohammad Maqbool Dar, Vice President district Srinagar Mohammad Shafi, District President Srinagar for party’s Youth Wing Mohsin Zaffar Shah, Provincial Convenor for the party's youth wing Shoaib Dar, Muzamil Rizvi, Miss Afrooza, the party’s IT head and in charge of the social media department Ovais Mushtaq, and others.(KNS)