Ali Asad
Srinagar, May 4: Apni Party Chairman Altaf Bukhari launched a scathing attack on the National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday, questioning why didn’t they strive to make Article 370 permanent in Indian constitution when they were in power for the past 70 years.
Addressing a gathering, Bukhari questioned the failure of MPs from both parties to resign from Parliament when Jammu and Kashmir lost its special status on August 5, 2019.
“The only motive of these two parties is to keep power within their families,” Bukhari said while addressing a poll rally in South Kashmir’s Shopian, criticizing their failure to prioritize the interests of the region over their political ambitions.
Reflecting on the events of August 5, 2019, Bukhari lamented that the tumultuous day could have been avoided if NC and PDP had worked towards securing the region’s special status over the past seven decades. He accused the NC of selling power projects, leading to exorbitant power tariffs, and contrasted his party’s agenda of providing up to 500 units of electricity free of cost every month. “If 90 (NC and PDP) would have for the past 70 years strived for making Article 370 permanent , this would not have happened. Even in 1996, they would have done that, but NC strived for power. NC sold our power projects and this is the reason that we are seeing such massive power tariffs. Our agenda is that we will provide upto 500 units free of cost every month.”
“Why didn’t they (NC and PDP) resign when Article 370 was abrogated?” Bukhari questioned, highlighting the inaction of NC MPs following the constitutional changes. He further criticized the lack of progress in youth empowerment and job creation under their leadership. “Since 2019, we have had three MPs from the national conference. Why didn’t they resign when Article 370 was abrogated? How many youth did they set free? How many projects did they get that could have generated jobs for youth? With what face they are seeking votes from people. When Mehbooba was asked why her MPs did not resign, she declared them traitors and BJP’s proxies. But now how did their past sins vanish and they are again with the PDP?,” Bukhari asked.
Apni Party Chairman also took aim at the PDP, accusing them of neglecting key sectors such as the fruit industry and failing to hold individuals accountable for crimes committed during their tenure in government. “What did Mehbooba do for the fruit industry? Their own men were given subsidies. We will hold them accountable when we form the government. They jailed our youth, killed people. Why aren’t they remembering Asiya and Neelofar now? When Mehbooba was in government, why didnt she investigate Shopian rape and murder case.”
“We will hold them accountable when we form the government,” Bukhari asserted, promising to address the grievances of the people and seek justice for victims of past injustices.
Urging parents to keep a vigilant eye on their children to prevent them from straying, Bukhari highlighted the need to prioritize loyalty to the country for the greater good. He cited a significant decrease in casualties since 2019, crediting the Union government for maintaining peace and stability in the region. “The fact is that we are the citizens of this country and we have to remain loyal to it at all costs for our own good. Will have to get our youth freed from jails. But I appeal to parents to keep an eye on their kids and not allow them to go adrift. 31714 people were injured and 200 people were killed when Mehbooba was Chief Minister. We have to give credit to the Union government as no person since 2019 has been injured or killed,” Bukhari said.
