Srinagar, Apr 17: Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party president Syed Muhammad Altaf Bukhari on Friday accused the National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of misleading people on key issues, including restoration of statehood and Article 370.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a joining function here, Altaf Bukhari claimed that those joining his party from the NC and the PDP would never have to feel ashamed of their community identity. “Inshallah, I promise them that we will take care of their issues, respect and dignity,” he said.
On the reservation policy, the Apni Party chief pitched for population-based job distribution. “A population of 70 percent cannot have 30 percent jobs. A population of 70 percent can have 70 percent jobs,” he said, adding that people living in Jammu and Kashmir should get jobs based on regional demographics.
Former minister Altaf Bukhari asserted he had not criticised any community but those which have ruled the Union Territory for the past 75 years.
He also questioned the Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) over unfulfilled promises. “Where is 370, where is 35A, where is statehood? The PAGD that you made — there is dust in the eyes of the people,” he said.
The Apni Party chief defended his party’s decision to engage with the Centre and the Lieutenant Governor, claiming they had prioritised youth issues such as verification, amnesty and passports.
“When people like us saved lands and jobs here after 2019, you spoiled our image in the election,” he alleged, accusing mainstream regional parties of branding them as “agents of Delhi”.
“The truth should come in front of us. Today, all those who targeted Apni Party are sitting there appealing to Lieutenant Governor. We just want an answer,” he said. (KNS)
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