From Jamia Masjid, Altaf Bukhari seeks Mirwaiz’s support

Srinagar, May 6: Jammu Kashmir Apni Party Chairman Syed Altaf Bukhari on Monday declared that Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s stature surpasses all political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir and he is hopeful to get the support from Kashmir’s Chief religious cleric in the near future.
Bukhari toured several areas of Srinagar’s old city on Monday and also offered prayers at Srinagar’s historic Jamia masjid here. Talking to reporters, the Apni Party Chief said that Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s stature as a religious preacher is higher than any political leader of Jammu and Kashmir. ‘Everyone respects Umar Saheb because of his stature as the Mirwaiz of Kashmir. We have an emotional attachment not only with Mirwaiz Umar Saheb but with the entire Mirwaiz family. This family has made significant contributions to our society over decades. Mirwaiz Umar has never supported violence in Kashmir. In fact, he and his family have been victims of violence. I am sure that Mirwaiz supports the Apni party’s politics of truth and honesty,” Bukhari said.
The road show held by the party commenced from the revered Dargah of Dastagir Sahib in Khanyar, traversing through the Naqshband Sahib (RA) Dargah in Khwaja Bazaar, and culminating at the historic Jama Masjid in Nowhatta, Srinagar. “Here, in this historic Jamia Masjid, I promise that once my party gets the public mandate to serve, we will ensure that Shehr-e-Khas remains a city full of centuries-old rich culture and civilization. Also, acquire its status as an ancient city. Our mission is to revive the city’s reputation as a sanctuary of master artisans representing diverse traditional crafts,” Bukhari said.
“I know that this city has been neglected for the last seven decades, due to which the people here have to struggle with inadequate housing, financial resources, and job opportunities. But we will ensure that no government in the future ignores the aspirations and welfare of Shehar-e-Khas,” Bukhari said.
The Apni Party President said that his visit should not be considered a political activity. “I have come to pay obeisance at the historic Jama Masjid. This mosque will remain here till the day of judgement. At this revered place, we pledge to uphold the truth as long as we live,” Bukhari said.
The event witnessed the presence of prominent Apni Party leaders, including the party’s provincial president and Srinagar Lok Sabha election candidate Mohammad Ashraf Mir and several others.