SRINAGAR: Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Wednesday asserted that lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir can only be achieved through meaningful dialogue between the Government of India and the people of the region, saying peace remains the foundation for development and prosperity.
Addressing reporters after a party function at the Apni Party headquarters in Srinagar, Bukhari said his party has consistently advocated dialogue as the only viable means to resolve the issues and grievances of the people.
He also endorsed dialogue between India and Pakistan, saying any engagement that contributes to peace in Jammu and Kashmir would be welcomed by the people of the region.
“Peace is paramount for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. If talks between the two neighbouring countries help restore peace in the region, we would be the happiest people to support such a move,” he said.
Bukhari criticised the government’s policy of outsourcing jobs, describing it as a “cruel joke” on unemployed youth. He said unemployment remains one of the biggest challenges facing the region and argued that outsourcing deprives local job seekers of employment opportunities.
“It is no justification to say that previous governments followed the same practice. Outsourcing jobs at the cost of unemployed youth must be abandoned immediately,” he said.
The Apni Party chief also appealed to the Prime Minister to initiate dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir to address their long-pending political and developmental concerns.
He said the people were seeking only the constitutional rights available to every citizen of the country and urged the Centre to fulfil its commitment of engaging with the people.
Bukhari expressed concern over the existing 15-year residency requirement for obtaining domicile in Jammu and Kashmir and urged the Centre to extend it to at least 35 years, if not 50 years. Referring to provisions in Himachal Pradesh, he questioned why similar safeguards could not be considered for Jammu and Kashmir.
He also appealed to the administration to ensure that while comprehensive security arrangements are made for the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, the daily lives of local residents are not adversely affected by restrictions imposed during the pilgrimage.
Earlier, several political and social leaders joined the Apni Party during the event. Among those who joined were former Srinagar Municipal Corporation secretary Sofi Mohammad Akbar, former District Development Council member and ex-PDP zone president Abdul Qayoom Mir, businessman and Sarparast-e-Aala of the All J&K Wood Suppliers Union Gulzar Ahmad Pardesi, and social activist Indumeet Singh, along with their supporters.
Welcoming the new entrants, Bukhari said their inclusion would strengthen the party’s efforts to work for peace, development and the welfare of the people.
He also claimed that traditional political parties had misled the public through “false promises and emotional slogans” during the 2024 Assembly elections.
