Srinagar, August 5 (KNS) : Apni Party Provincial President Mohammad Ashraf Mir on Wednesday called upon the Centre to initiate a meaningful dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the youth, to address their issues and grievances and bridge the growing trust deficit.

In a statement issued from party headquarters here, Mir said the youth feel "insecure and helpless", making dialogue essential for lasting peace in the region.

"Today, on the seventh anniversary of the events of August 5, 2019, Apni Party passed a resolution at every district headquarters demanding the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood and other constitutional rights," Mir said. "On this day in 2019, the Centre took away our rights and dignity. Apni Party will continue to strive for the restoration of all the rights that existed prior to August 5, 2019, including Articles 370 and 35A."

Mir said the party wants the Centre to restore statehood as promised by the Prime Minister and Home Minister on the floor of Parliament.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Demanding that the residency requirement for domicile eligibility be extended from 15 to 50 years, Mir said the party's leadership had persuaded the Centre to safeguard exclusive rights of J&K people over land and jobs. "We demand that these protections be backed by a constitutional guarantee to ensure permanent safeguarding of land and employment rights," he added.

Mir claimed that despite assurances of accelerated development and employment opportunities post-2019, Jammu and Kashmir now has the highest unemployment rate in the country and continues to face a significant development deficit.

He said police prevented party leaders from holding events in Anantnag, Shopian, Baramulla and Pulwama, but the resolution was passed by every other district body across Jammu and Kashmir.

Party leaders Muntazir Mohiuddin and Dr Harbaksh Singh were present on the occasion. (KNS)