SRINAGAR: Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Sunday called for an inquiry into alleged alterations to Srinagar’s Master Plan, saying the changes had caused “irreversible damage” to the architectural character and planned development of the historic city.
Bukhari also alleged that attempts were being made to settle outsiders in Jammu and Kashmir “under the garb of development” and sought a probe into reports that land was allegedly being purchased in the names of some locals for the purpose.
He was addressing a public meeting at Chinar Colony, Parray Pora, in Chanapora constituency.
Bukhari said Srinagar, particularly its Downtown areas, had suffered “decades of consistent neglect and developmental deprivation”.
“The Srinagar Master Plan was altered in ways that have caused permanent damage to the character and development of this historic city,” he said, alleging that areas originally designated for commercial use had been converted into residential zones, while residential areas had been turned into commercial zones.
He also alleged that large commercial structures had been allowed to come up inside residential colonies, creating difficulties for residents.
Bukhari demanded a “thorough probe” into who altered the Master Plan, at whose behest and for what purpose.
On reports regarding the settlement of outsiders, he said, “Attempts are being made to settle outsiders in Kashmir under the garb of development.”
He alleged that some local individuals were facilitating such activities and that land was being purchased on behalf of outsiders. He demanded an investigation into the allegations.
Calls for dialogue, protection of land and jobs
Speaking about Jammu and Kashmir’s accession to India, Bukhari said the decision taken in 1947 could not be revoked and reiterated his position that Jammu and Kashmir was a permanent part of the country.
He also appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to fulfil his earlier commitment of engaging with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the youth.
“I urge the Hon’ble Prime Minister to fulfil his promise of engaging with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the youth, to hear their issues and grievances and take effective measures to address them,” he said.
Bukhari also called for constitutional guarantees for the protection of domicile-related rights.
He raised concerns over the difficulties faced by young people in obtaining police verification for employment and passports, saying those who had chosen the path of peace should be given an opportunity to lead a dignified life.
He also urged the Centre not to view Jammu and Kashmir only through the prism of the National Conference and Peoples Democratic Party, saying the people of the Union Territory should be heard independently.
Bukhari attacks government over Srinagar civic issues
The Apni Party chief also criticised the ruling government over what he described as its failure to address issues confronting Srinagar.
He said the government was not even willing to discuss the release of detainees and claimed that the Apni Party had, during its meetings with senior Central government leaders, worked to ensure that people retained their rights over land and jobs.
Bukhari also raised the issue of the duration of domicile provisions and said the elected government could seek an extension of the existing period to protect land and employment interests.
On reservation, he termed the existing policy “unjust and discriminatory” and called for a reservation framework based on population proportion.
He also highlighted the shortage of basic amenities in several parts of Srinagar, including drinking water, housing, drainage, parking facilities and livelihood opportunities.
“Many areas still lack access to even the most basic necessities, such as drinking water,” he said, questioning whether the government needed restoration of statehood to address basic civic issues.
Bukhari said young people were facing difficulties in finding livelihood opportunities and alleged that even street vendors were being prevented from earning a living.
He also raised concerns over congestion and the absence of a proper housing policy, saying several families were being forced to share accommodation.
On drainage, he said even moderate rainfall resulted in waterlogging and flood-like conditions on several city roads.
He called for better housing, drainage, sanitation, parking facilities and livelihood opportunities for Srinagar residents.
Bukhari also pointed to the shortage of marriage halls in Downtown and said residents faced difficulties while organising social and family functions.
Allegations of partisan development
Referring to issues in Chanapora constituency, Bukhari alleged that road macadamisation and other developmental works were being carried out on the basis of the political affiliation of residents.
“If people do not support the ruling party, their roads and lanes are being ignored,” he alleged, saying public services should not be linked to political loyalty.
He also highlighted the alleged neglect of playgrounds in the constituency, saying children and youth were being deprived of recreational and sports facilities.
The Apni Party had earlier announced that the Chinar Colony convention would be the first in a series of public conventions planned across Srinagar to provide residents a platform to raise local grievances.
Akhoon, Rafi Mir raise political concerns
Speaking on the occasion, Apni Party vice president Mohammad Syed Akhoon accused the National Conference of misleading people through its election manifesto.
Akhoon said he had advised the party leadership against making promises relating to the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A, additional ration quota, free electricity, free gas and government jobs, claiming that such commitments could not be fulfilled under the Union Territory setup.
He said he was expelled from the NC despite having served the party for 60 years.
Party general secretary Rafi Ahmad Mir said the people of Jammu and Kashmir were facing “serious political challenges” and called for introspection on issues beyond the day-to-day failures of the government.
He also expressed concern over environmental issues confronting Srinagar and warned of serious consequences if they remained unaddressed.
Provincial president Mohammad Ashraf Mir said the Apni Party would continue to raise public grievances and work for the peace, prosperity and development of Jammu and Kashmir.
Among those present or speaking at the convention were party vice president Javaid Mustafa Mir, additional general secretary Hilal Ahmad Shah, chief coordinator and Kulgam district president Abdul Majeed Padder, state secretary and chief spokesperson Muntazir Mohiuddin, media adviser Farooq Andrabi, women’s wing president Dilshad Shaheen, provincial secretary Mohammad Ashraf Dar, Srinagar district president Zaffar Habib Dar and other party leaders and workers.
