Srinagar, Aug 7 (KNS): Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Friday said his party was committed to restoring Jammu and Kashmir's "lost dignity, status and respect" and ensuring a secure and prosperous future for the region's youth, while attacking the ruling National Conference (NC) government over unemployment and governance.
Addressing a workers' convention in Hajin area of Bandipora district, Bukhari said the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the youth, were facing insecurity, unemployment and repeated police action.
"I wonder how long our people will continue to suffer. Our youth deserve a life of dignity, security and hope for the future," he said.
Accusing successive regional parties of changing political positions for electoral gains, Bukhari alleged that the NC and the PDP had failed to safeguard the interests of the people over the decades.
He claimed the Apni Party was formed after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 to address public grievances when traditional political parties remained silent.
Referring to the post-August 2019 situation, Bukhari said his party had engaged with the Centre to facilitate the movement of fruit-laden trucks, secure the release of detained youth and safeguard exclusive rights over land and jobs for residents of Jammu and Kashmir.
Bukhari reiterated that while August 5, 2019, remained a "black day" for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, solutions to the region's issues would come through engagement with New Delhi.
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He appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to initiate a meaningful dialogue with the people, especially the youth, to address their concerns.
The Apni Party chief also announced that if voted to power, his party would seek to increase the domicile eligibility period from the existing 15 years to 50 years and restore the rights of local communities engaged in manual extraction of minerals from rivers.
Highlighting local issues in Hajin and adjoining areas, Bukhari urged the administration to improve drinking water supply, electricity and healthcare infrastructure.
Senior Apni Party leader Ghulam Hassan Mir criticised the NC-led government over unemployment, alleging it had failed to fulfil its election promises.
"Two years have passed since they assumed office, but they have failed to create meaningful employment opportunities for the youth," Mir said.
He also accused the government of delaying urban local body and panchayat elections, alleging that it was depriving people of democratic representation at the grassroots level.
The convention, organised by the party's Sonawari constituency unit, was also addressed by provincial president Mohammad Ashraf Mir and other senior leaders.(KNS).