SRINAGAR: Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Saturday renewed his demand for withdrawal of cases registered against youth in Jammu and Kashmir, saying their reintegration into society was crucial for lasting peace and stability in the Union Territory.
Bukhari made the remarks while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the party’s Independence Day celebrations at its headquarters at M2 Church Lane, Srinagar, where he hoisted the national flag.
Referring to the young people and elderly persons who, according to him, were called to or kept at police stations on Independence Day, Bukhari said they should have been given an opportunity to participate in the celebrations.
“They are an integral part of society and need to be amalgamated into it and given a chance to resume their normal lives with their families,” he said.
Bukhari reiterated that cases against youth should be withdrawn to help rebuild trust and heal what he described as longstanding social wounds.
He suggested that the withdrawal could even be made conditional, with those benefiting from the decision required to face no fresh complaints for five years.
“Giving the youth a fresh start is essential for healing wounds, rebuilding trust, and paving the way for a peaceful and stable Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
The Apni Party chief also welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of free online coaching for competitive examinations, saying the move would help reduce the financial burden on poor and middle-class families.
He urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to similarly waive examination fees for recruitment and selection processes conducted by its agencies. The expenditure, he suggested, could be met from the UT’s education budget.
Bukhari also called for adequate compensation and assistance for people who suffered losses in recent natural calamities across Jammu and Kashmir.
“It is painful to see victims and sufferers wailing and crying over their losses. It is the responsibility of the government to ensure adequate support for such victims,” he said.
He suggested that the government explore ways to involve the public in relief efforts, saying the region’s tradition of Zakat could be channelled towards helping families affected by disasters.
“When tragedy strikes, we should stand together as one society,” Bukhari said, stressing that no family affected by a natural disaster should be left to face its suffering alone.
The party’s Independence Day function was attended by its senior leaders and workers, with Bukhari hoisting the Tricolour amid patriotic slogans and celebrations.
