 Early Times Report
SRINAGAR, July 29: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Wednesday said that "the rights Jammu and Kashmir lost on August 5, 2019, cannot be regained through protests or confrontation, but only through consultation and a well-defined roadmap."
He also said that "Apni Party would always support any party that raises genuine demands such as the restoration of statehood, Articles 370 and 35A, the release of prisoners, the creation of job opportunities, and other pressing public issues."
Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari made these remarks today while responding to questions from reporters following an event held at the party headquarters in Srinagar. The event was organised to extend a warm welcome to a group of political and social leaders and activists from Sopore.
He said, "August 5 is a dark day for Jammu and Kashmir, and it will remain a dark day until our rights are restored." However, he stressed that the restoration of these rights should be pursued through dialogue, consultation, and a well-defined roadmap.
He said that the government of India must talk with the people of Jammu and Kashmir in order to address their genuine demands and grievances and to bridge the existing trust deficit.
Replying to a question about PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti's remarks at Jantar Mantar, where she said, "Kashmir mein toh banta hai," while justifying the use of violence against Kashmiri protesters, and her subsequent apology, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said, "Since Mehbooba Mufti has apologised for her offensive remarks at Jantar Mantar, the matter should end there."
Replying to a question, "Apni Party president said that the BJP had persuaded Hindu voters in the Jammu region in the name of religion during the 2024 Assembly elections." However, he added that "it appears a dominant majority of Hindus in Jammu now realise that such politics is harmful to the larger interests of Jammu and Kashmir."
Meanwhile, during the joining event, senior Apni Party leader and Chairman of the party's Parliamentary Affairs Committee, Mohammad Dilawar Mir, welcomed the new entrants and said, "Sopore has long been a place of historical and political significance in Jammu and Kashmir." He stressed that "its importance must be restored."
He said that the youth have an important role to play for reclaiming the historical and political significance of the Sopore.
Dilawar Mir further said, "The biggest challenge before us is to ensure a better future for our younger generation. It is our collective responsibility to safeguard their future and create opportunities that enable them to build a better and more prosperous life." |
