Srinagar, July 1 (KNS): Apni Party President Altaf Bukhari, on Tuesday, said that “every leader who has been at the helm in Jammu and Kashmir over the past seventy-plus years has compromised one thing or another before New Delhi for personal and political gain.” He said that “whatever J&K has lost during this period cannot be regained overnight.”

Altaf Bukhari made these remarks today while addressing party convention at Dak Bungalow Khanabal in Anantnag.

Talking on the events of August 5, 2019, Apni Party President Altaf Bukhari described them as “backbreaking” for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. However, he asserted that “Kashmiri leaders who held power over the past seven decades not only failed to safeguard the rights of the people but also bartered public interests for their own personal and political gain.”

He said, “We witnessed the power of India’s Home Minister on August 5, 2019. He stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special constitutional status and statehood, and divided it into two Union Territories—by presenting a few resolutions within minutes. There was once a Home Minister from Kashmir. Why didn’t he use his authority to make Articles 370 and 35A permanent features of the Constitution? Who could have stopped him?” He added, “Similarly, every Chief Minister who held office here has traded the people's interests for his or her own political gains. They made us lost everything over the past more than seven decades. We cannot attain it back overnight.”

Lashing out at the government Altaf Bukhari said, “One loses patience seeing the poor performance of this government. Despite having received a massive mandate, this government has failed even to provide basic amenities to the people. They have forgotten the promises made in their election manifesto. Where are the two lakh jobs and other enticing commitments they had promised to deliver to the people?”

After the convention, Altaf Bukhari spoke with reporters. Responding to a question, he said that the jailed leaders must be provided justice. He said, “I have said it before, and I am saying it again: Shabir Ahmad Shah must be provided medical attention, as he rightfully deserves it. He is an elderly person and could be placed under house arrest instead of being kept in jail.”

He added, “Similarly, justice should be provided to Engineer Rashid Sahib. After all, the fact must be acknowledged that half a million people have given him a mandate. Yasin Malik, too, should be given the opportunity of a fair trial. I am not asking for favours for these leaders—only justice. They must not be deprived of justice.”

When asked about Omar Abdullah’s assertion that he is willing to quit his chair if it helps restore J&K’s statehood, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said, “He doesn’t need to leave the chair; rather, he needs to use the power of that chair to get statehood restored.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel”

Speaking on the occasion, the party’s General Secretary, Rafi Ahmad Mir, voiced concern over the unfulfilled promises made by Prime Minister Modi to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

He said, “The Prime Minister had assured the people of Jammu and Kashmir that he would free them from dynastic rule. He also pledged to bridge the “Dil Ki Doori” (emotional distance), and, most importantly, promised to engage with the youth of the region. Unfortunately, all these promises remain unfulfilled to this day.”

Rafi Ahmad Mir expressed his disappointment over the lack of performance by the elected government. He said, “I fail to understand why this government is unable to function effectively and fulfil the promises made to the people. The Lieutenant Governor (LG) has made it very clear that only the police are under his command and control, while the rest of the powers lie with the Omar-led government. So why is this government failing to meet public expectations?”

Addressing the convention, the party’s Additional General Secretary, Hilal Ahmad Mir, said that people voted in the assembly elections based on the manifestos of different parties, but they didn’t realise they were being deceived by fake promises.

He said, “People saw the National Conference (NC) claiming in its manifesto that it would restore Article 370 and ensure the return of statehood. It also promised free electricity and free gas if the party came to power. That is why people turned out in large numbers to vote for NC. Now, they are realising that all these poll promises were false and merely intended to mislead the voters.”

Speaking on the occasion, the party’s Chief Coordinator, Abdul Majeed Padder, urged party leaders and senior workers to make people aware of the pro-people agenda and policies of the Apni Party.

He said, “People have realised that they have once again been deceived by the traditional parties. Now, it is our responsibility to make them aware of the Apni Party’s agenda and policies.”

The party’s Provincial President, Mohammad Ashraf Mir, echoed the sentiment. He said, “This is the time for us to intensify our public outreach and connect with the people. I urge you to strengthen the party and let the public know that our agenda and policies are rooted in the politics of truthfulness. We have a well-defined vision for sustained peace, lasting prosperity, and equitable development in Jammu and Kashmir.”

The prominent party leaders who were present on this occasion included Chief Spokesperson and State Secretary Muntazir Mohiuddin, President of the Party Youth Wing Yawar Mir, Provincial Vice President Hakikat Singh, Provincial Secretary Kashmir Nazir Ahmad Dailgami, Senior Leaders including Bashir Ahmad, Abdul Hameed Choudhray, Mohammad Muzaffar, , Salman Anfas, Muzamil Shafi, Youth Leader Muktesh Yogi, and others. (KNS)