Assembly elections pivotal to safeguard J&K’s interests: Altaf Bukhari

Srinagar, Feb 9: Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari Friday said that instead of Parliamentary polls, assembly elections have a pivotal role in safeguarding the interests of the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
Talking to a news agency, Bukhari said representation in Parliamentary polls has little impact on J&K while assembly elections have a major role in safeguarding and protecting interests of the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
He said Apni Party has geared up its public outreach and is eying on assembly elections so that interests of the people of will be served according to their wishes and aspirations.
“I believe that mere 5 seats (Parliamentary) out of over 500 will not benefit you. We have seen there are already three members from Kashmir valley who represent J&K, but it is sad that what they did till now? Article 370 and 35(A) were taken away in their presence and they failed to resist. Just 3 members out of 500 can do nothing,” Bukhari said.
He said given the circumstances, he believes it is better to keep hope on assembly elections where they can serve the people in a better way.
He expressed surprise over uncertain assembly elections in J&K, and appealed to Centre to hold polls without any further delay. “People of J&K are without elected representatives for a very long time. They are in difficult situation, their concerns are unattended since long, so government should take tangible measures in holding assembly elections for the larger interest of democracy,” he said.
Bukhari added when Parliamentary elections are being conducted across the country, why government is running away from holding assembly elections in Jammu & Kashmir. “The Centre has been saying One Nation, One Election, then why are they shying away from holding simultaneous polls in J&K. Let they experiment the One Nation, One Election from J&K if they want to have simultaneous polls in the country,” he said.
He said that when Apni Party was launched, its leadership has ensured public outreach vigorously. “Our doors are open to everyone. We represent every section of the society,” he added.
He appealed people to give the party a chance to serve them, saying “As Apni Party is a newborn political outfit and had never participated in any election process till now, so it is my humble request to the people to give us a chance and I assure their concerns will be addressed”. (KNS)