Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Thursday said that traditional politics in Jammu and Kashmir has always pushed people toward the path of violence, ultimately leading the youth either to jails or graveyards. He urged that this politics of deceit and negativity must come to an end to ensure a better future for the younger generation.
He made these remarks during a special event held at the party headquarters in Srinagar, as per a press release. The event was organised to welcome new entrants into the party fold. Mudasir Wali, a prominent political and social activist from Shaheed Gunj, Srinagar, joined the party along with his associates. Apni Party President and other veteran leaders extended a warm welcome to the new members on their joining the party.
Speaking on the occasion, Bukhari said, “Unlike traditional political parties, Apni Party believes in a politics that will neither push our youth towards jails nor make them fall prey to bullets. Instead, our politics is aimed at ensuring peace, prosperity, and development. Our youth deserve a dignified life and all the rights guaranteed to them by the Constitution.” He further said, “When we say that Apni Party believes in the politics of truthfulness and integrity, we mean that we will neither lie to our people nor make promises that are unachievable.” “Our youth do not lack talent; they only need proper guidance, a conducive and peaceful environment, and opportunities,” he added. Welcoming the new members and urging people to join hands with Apni Party, Bukhari said, “This party basically belongs to the people. Unlike traditional political parties, Apni Party does not belong to any particular family. We do not believe in dynastic politics. In fact, this party was established to fight political dynasties, as these family-run parties have always betrayed the people and damaged their interests.”
He also took a swipe at New Delhi, urging it to stop patronising family-run parties in Jammu and Kashmir, saying such politics has harmed the interests of the people and weakened democratic values in the region. Reitarating his demand Bukhari urged the Government of India to engage in dialogue with the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, describing them as the real stakeholders who have a vital role to play in shaping the future of J&K and its people. He said, “I urge the Central Government to initiate talks with the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, as they have a crucial role in ensuring peace, prosperity, and development in the region. Our younger generation has to play an important part in changing the destiny of J&K for the better. Therefore, it is imperative that the Central Government begins a meaningful dialogue with them.” “Our youth have to make a meaningful beginning through dialogue process,” he added.
Speaking on the occasion, Ghulam Hassan Mir, Senior Vice President of the party, took a dig at the ruling National Conference, accusing it of misleading people for electoral and political gains. He said, “Remember how this party made sweeping promises during its 2024 election campaign? It claimed that if voted to power, it would restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. Now, after assuming office, nearly one-and-a-half years later, it shamelessly says that New Delhi is not restoring statehood. If restoring statehood was entirely in the hands of the Centre — as they now admit it is — then why did they seek votes on that promise?”
Mir went on to say, “It is not just about the 2024 elections; traditional political parties have always misled people by making false promises and raising emotional slogans for their electoral and political gains. Whenever election season arrives, they begin promising the moon and the stars to the people. Instead of focusing on development and public welfare — which is essentially the responsibility of a government — they make grand promises that are unrealistic and unachievable. This is how they continue to deceive the people.”
“The people, especially the youth, must hold this government accountable for the false promises and misleading narrative it promoted during its election campaign to secure votes, “he added. “Creating employment opportunities is one of the basic responsibilities of any elected government. What has this government done during the past one-and-a-half years in power? During the election campaign, it had promised to provide one lakh jobs soon after assuming office. Where are those one lakh jobs now,” Ghulam Hassan Mir asked.
Besides Bukhari and Ghulam Hassan Mir, the prominent party leaders who were present on the occasion included Vice President Javaid Mustafa Mir, Provincial President Kashmir Mohammad Ashraf Mir, Chief Spokesperson & State Secretary Muntazir Mohiuddin, Media Advisor Farooq Andrabi, State Youth President & Spokesperson Yawar Dilawar Mir, Provincial Vice President Kashmir Hakikat Singh, Secretary organisation & Spokesperson Dr Harbaksh Singh, District President Kupwara Raja Manzoor, Provincial Orgainser & Former DDC Bilal Ahmad Bhat, Provincial Coordinator Kashmir & Constituency In-charge Hazratbal Shabir Ahmad Reshi, Member Committee District Srinagar Tanveer Hussain Pathan, Jibran Dar, In-charge Anantnag East (Shangus) Constituency, M. K. Yogi, and others.
