Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Nov 18: Apni Party President and former minister, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Tuesday voiced serious concern over the growing trend of educated youth being drawn towards radicalisation and terror-related activities, calling it an “alarming development” that warrants urgent and honest introspection.
“Authorities must investigate why even well-educated youth are being influenced to join terrorist activities,” Bukhari said while addressing a press conference in Srinagar.
He said this trend poses a serious challenge and requires a comprehensive evaluation by all stakeholders.
Bukhari reiterated his party’s firm opposition to all forms of violence, saying that those found guilty must face the law, but also cautioned that “innocent individuals should not be harassed in the name of counterterrorism measures.”
Expressing sorrow over the ‘accidental blast at Nowgam Police Station’ near Srinagar, the Apni Party chief urged the government to provide proper compensation to the families of the deceased and to those whose homes and properties were damaged in the explosion.
“We convey our heartfelt sympathies to the families who lost their loved ones in the Nowgam incident. The victims whose properties were affected must be adequately compensated,” he said.
Reading a detailed resolution passed in the party’s day-long working committee meeting held at the party office in Srinagar, the Apni Party president said the party expressed deep concern over the recent Delhi car blast and the alleged involvement of well-educated individuals in the incident.
Terming the attack “highly condemnable,” the party demanded the toughest possible punishment for those responsible while urging the central government to explore and address the root causes of “white-collar radicalisation.”
“While dealing with terrorism firmly is essential, it is equally important to reach out and win the hearts and minds of people,” the party said in a resolution passed unanimously during the meeting chaired by Bukhari. “The causes leading educated individuals towards radicalisation must be investigated and effectively addressed.”
The party also observed a two-minute silence to honour the victims of both the Delhi and Nowgam blasts. Apni Party further stressed the need to bridge the “deficit of trust” between New Delhi and the people of Jammu and Kashmir, calling for meaningful public outreach and dialogue to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region.
“The mistrust between New Delhi and the people of J&K must be addressed. Such gaps only create space for violent tendencies to grow,” the statement said, urging the government to fulfil its outreach commitments made by the Prime Minister and Home Minister.
The meeting also discussed pressing public issues including rising unemployment and inflation in the Union Territory, noting that economic distress was feeding into social and security challenges.
Highlighting the party’s policy roadmap, the Apni Party leadership underscored its focus on improving governance, reviving traditional economic sectors like horticulture, handicrafts, agriculture, and tourism, and ensuring participatory governance that delivers results on the ground.
The party demanded immediate holding of Panchayat and ULB polls, regularisation of daily wagers, reforms in the reservation system, and the launch of an employment drive for J&K’s educated youth.
“Jammu and Kashmir is at a delicate point of transition, politically, economically and socially,” the statement said. “What is needed now is sincere, farsighted, and dedicated leadership. We, in Apni Party, will continue our efforts with honesty and commitment to serve the people of J&K.”
