Border areas stood by nation, now it’s our turn: Altaf Bukhari

Uri, May 17: Apni Party President, Altaf Bukhari on Saturday pitched for the construction of individual bunkers, citing the people’s demand and the recurring nature of shelling.
Bukhari while talking to reporters in Uri highlighted the resilience and patriotism of the people living in border areas like Uri, Poonch, Rajouri, Karnah, and Samba, said despite facing adversities, their commitment to the country has never wavered.
“The people of Uri and other border areas have always stood by the nation. Now is the time for the nation to stand by them,” he said, adding that people have suffered a lot. Yet, it is a blessing that the number of deaths has remained low.
He also said that the government must ensure employment for the next of kin of the victims. “Monetary relief is necessary, but what these families truly need is long-term stability.”
Bukhari commended the Army for their professional handling of the situation, stating, “The way our forces managed to prevent civilian casualties deserves immense appreciation. War only brings destruction on both sides, and we must avoid it at all costs.”
He also called upon elected representatives to commit 50% of their Constituency Development Funds (CDF) to border safety infrastructure. “In sensitive zones like Karnah, Uri, Rajouri, and Poonch, development of roads and drains can wait. Right now, our priority must be the protection of lives,” he asserted.
“Even though I don’t hold any political or administrative office, they would continue to highlight the wrongs and support the rights of the people—not for political gain, but on humanitarian grounds,” he said.
He reiterated the call for construction of individual bunkers, saying “In times of crisis, every family needs the safety of their own space. Community bunkers are not enough.” (KNO)