Baramulla, May 3: Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Sunday urged the Centre to initiate dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the youth, saying that engagement was essential to address growing alienation and unemployment in the region.
Addressing a workers’ convention in Pattan area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, Bukhari said Centre must communicate with its own citizens in J&K.
“Unless the youth of Jammu and Kashmir are taken into confidence, how will they be convinced?” he said.
He said that the trust deficit between New Delhi and J&K can only be bridged through sustained dialogue and claimed that people continue to feel “disempowered” following the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A on August 5, 2019.
“Our rights, identity and statehood were taken away. At the same time, people’s pressing issues remain unaddressed,” he said.
Altaf Bukhari also raised concerns over unemployment and accused the National Conference government of lacking a concrete policy to generate jobs.
He said educated youth were sitting idle and facing hurdles in verification processes and the issuance of passports.
“Our youth want to go abroad for livelihood opportunities, but are being denied verification; they are not being given their passports. How long will this continue?” he asked.
The Apni Party chief also demanded the release of detainees, saying that many political leaders and youth have been jailed for prolonged periods without serious charges.
“Those not facing grave allegations should be freed to return to normal life,” he said.
He launched a sharp attack on the Omar Abdullah-led NC government and accused them of misleading people during the 2024 Assembly elections with “hollow promises.”
“They promised one lakh government jobs, free electricity, cooking gas cylinders and enhanced ration quotas. Where are those promises now? Instead, electricity tariffs have been increased,” he said.
He said the elected government has failed to address basic civic issues, claiming that protests over water and electricity shortages were being suppressed.
“People have the right to raise their voice for basic needs, but even women protesting for drinking water are being beaten,” he alleged.
Bukhari also criticised what he termed interference in religious matters across the country, saying such actions hurt sentiments in Kashmir.
“How can the Government of India expect people here to remain content if their religious sentiments are hurt?” he said.
He added that nobody advocates for violence but the government must avoid policies that hurt religious sentiments.
Referring to the inclination of people with Shehikh Muhammad Abdullah’s party symbol, Altaf Bukhari said, despite technological advancement, Kashmir’s population continues to remain inclined with the plough.
“The world has moved ahead, but our people are still dependent on Plough,” he said while hinting that people to shun attachment with the party.
In his address on the occasion, Apni Party Senior Vice President Ghulam Hassan Mir accused the government of delaying Panchayat and Urban Local Bodies elections to avoid grassroots empowerment.
“They do not want democracy to strengthen at the grassroots level,” he said.
He also raised concerns over restrictions on traditional mineral extraction activities, saying many locals have lost livelihoods due to policy changes.
“Panchayats were supposed to be empowered to manage these resources, but elections are not being held,” he added.
Speaking on the occasion, State Youth President and Spokesperson Yawar Dilawar Mir said Apni Party was committed to striving for the peace, prosperity, and development of J&K.
“We will ensure that J&K and its people receive all the rights they deserve, like any other citizen of the country. This party will continue to fight to restore people’s rights,” he said.
He urged the public to support the JKAP so that it can effectively implement its pro-people agenda and policies.
The prominent party leaders who were present on the occasion included the party’s State Secretary & Chief Spokesperson Muntazir Mohiuddin, Provincial Vice President Kashmir Hakikat Singh, District President Baramulla Shabir Ahmad Shah, Constituency In-charge Pattan Sheikh Riyaz, Syed Muzaffar Rizwi, and others.
