SRINAGAR: Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Friday said the abrogation of Article 370 had “inflicted a deep wound” on the emotions of people in Jammu and Kashmir, while holding both the Congress and BJP responsible for the dilution and eventual removal of the provision.
Addressing a party convention in Tral, Bukhari said Article 370 had already been weakened over the years, but its abrogation along with Article 35A on August 5, 2019, had a deep emotional impact on people in J&K.
“Congress and BJP are equally responsible because Congress had already hollowed out this article over the years, while BJP revoked it completely,” he said.
Bukhari said his party had subsequently taken up the issue of land and employment rights with the Centre and sought safeguards for the people of J&K.
“Article 370 provided constitutional protection to our land and jobs, and that is why, following its abrogation along with Article 35A on August 5, 2019, the Apni Party pursued the matter with the Centre and ensured that the people of J&K must retain exclusive rights over land and employment,” he said.
He said the party had succeeded in convincing the Centre to introduce domicile provisions to protect these rights.
Bukhari also called for a dialogue between New Delhi and the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the youth, saying such an engagement was necessary to address their concerns and bridge what he described as an existing trust deficit.
“There is an urgent need to make New Delhi understand the importance of initiating a dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially the youth, to address their genuine issues and concerns,” he said.
Taking a dig at the ruling National Conference, Bukhari accused it of failing to deliver on its electoral promises, including one lakh jobs, 200 units of free electricity, free gas cylinders and regularisation of daily wagers.
He also criticised the NC over its position on the restoration of Article 370 and 35A, saying the party had sought votes on the promise of restoring the provisions but had now focused primarily on restoration of statehood.
“This is nothing but political drama, and they have always resorted to such tactics,” he said.
Bukhari also raised concerns over the condition of hospitals and schools in Tral and questioned the local administration over inadequate infrastructure and facilities.
He said the area had significant tourism potential and could generate employment if its natural beauty and resources were developed sustainably.
Bukhari also expressed concern over the arrests of youth, saying his party was working to ensure that “random arrests” were stopped and those detained were released to enable them to return to normal life.
He further demanded political reservation for the Sikh community, saying it had stood with the Muslim community during difficult periods in Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking at the convention, Apni Party senior vice president and former Cabinet minister Ghulam Hassan Mir said the party would continue to raise public issues irrespective of electoral considerations.
“We are not here today to seek your votes, as there are no elections scheduled in the near future. We are here to tell you that Apni Party is truly a people’s party and will always stand by the people, no matter what,” Mir said.
He urged people to support the party, saying it sought to protect their rights and interests while working towards peace, prosperity and development in Jammu and Kashmir.
During the convention, several workers associated with the National Conference, PDP and Congress, besides a social activist, joined the Apni Party.
Those who joined included NC worker Karan Singh, PDP worker Mohammad Amin, social activist Muzafar Bhat and Congress worker Mohammad Younis Dar.
Several senior Apni Party leaders and workers were present at the convention.
