Traditional political parties exploited people for their own gains: Altaf Bukhari

Srinagar, Sep 20: Extending a warm invitation to the public and those who had previously aligned with different political ideologies to join Apni Party, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, on Wednesday, said that “collectively, we can break free from the grip of conventional political parties and their leaders, who have been exploiting and deceiving people for decades for their own political gains.”
He added, “Apni Party is opening its doors for all those who were previously affiliated with any other political ideology. This party will be providing them with a reliable platform to serve the people.”
However, Apni Party President cautioned that “the individuals involved in inciting violence, drug dealings, inflaming religious hatred, and engaging in anti-national activities will not find a place within the ranks of the Apni Party.”
Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari made these comments while addressing a public convention at Padgampora in Pulwama district today. The party leader, Dr. Samiullah, organised this event, which was attended by throngs of people and party workers. They gave a rousing reception to the party president and his accompanying leaders upon their arrival at the venue.
Taking a dig at the traditional political parties and their leaders, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said, “History stands witness that these parties and their leaders have always deceived people and exploited them for their own political gains, primarily for attaining power and remaining in power.”
He went on to explain it further: “These parties kept people busy with deceitful narratives and emotionally charged slogans, such as “Rai Shumari” “Autonomy”, “Self-rule,” and more. However, for themselves and their families, they chose to accumulate riches and power.”
Regarding his past engagement with the PDP, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari stated, “The PDP was apparently established to put an end to the dynastic rule of the National Conference in Jammu and Kashmir. However, with the passage of time, it became evident that even the leaders of this party were establishing their own family rule here. As soon as I realised the true intentions of the party’s leaders, I quit it.”
Reiterating his perspective on J&K’s affiliation with the rest of the country, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said, “We have two distinct narratives here: one grounded in truth and the other in falsehood. The undeniable truth is that the leaders of Jammu and Kashmir opted to align with India in 1947. Regardless of whether the decision was right or wrong, the fact remains that J&K was destined to be an integral part of the country forever. We must accept this reality.”
“Had the leaders, who pursued an alternative narrative over the years, accepted this reality, the situation would have far better, and people here would not have suffered so much. However, these leaders remained rigid and refused to engage in dialogue with the government, even when one of the prime ministers extended an offer of ‘sky is the limit, less than complete independence’,” he added.
On this occasion, the party’s Senior Vice President, Ghulam Hassan Mir, appealed to people to join hands with the Apni Party to ensure the peace, prosperity, and development of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said, “We have a clear vision for a brighter future for this region and its people. Unlike others, we refrain from using emotional slogans to mislead the public or divert their attention towards unattainable goals. We say what we believe we can deliver, and I assure you that the Apni Party has the will and potential to accomplish the objectives of peace, prosperity, and development for Jammu and Kashmir.”
He further said, “The misleading narrative propagated by the traditional political parties, over the years and decades, has severely harmed the interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Their deceptive politics with emotionally charged slogans landed thousands of our youth either in jails or in graveyards. However, Apni Party has a clear vision to ensure a prosperous future for our young generation.”
Addressing the occasion, the party’s general secretary, Rafi Ahmad Mir, demanded the immediate holding of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
He said, “The people of J&K are eagerly looking forward to assembly elections so that they can exercise their constitutional right to choose their own representatives to lead them. People should not be deprived of this constitutional right any longer.”
Rafi Ahmad Mir appealed to the people to prepare themselves for active participation in the democratic process, enabling them to select the right individuals as their representatives to serve their interests.
Besides Party President, Senior Vice President, and General Secretary, the prominent party leaders who were present on the occasion included District President Pulwama Ghulam Mohammad Mir, Pulwama Constituency Incharge Mir Sami Ullah, Provincial Secretary of the Youth Wing Manzoor Ahmad Ganai, Provencial Secretary and BDC Umar Jan, District Youth President Syed Tajala Andrabi, BDC Pampore Mohammad Altaf Mir, Municipal Councillor Shabir Ahmad Wani, Block President Pulwama Ghulam Mohiuddin Ganai, Block President Rafiq Ahmad Naik, DDC Mansha Ji, DDC Mema, and others.