Statehood, constitutional guarantees non-negotiable: Altaf Bukhari

Srinagar, Jun 9: Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Tuesday asserted that restoration of statehood and constitutional guarantees on land, jobs, and rights remain the top priority for the people of the Union Territory, and ruled out any compromise on these issues.
“We have constitutional guarantees on land, rights and jobs. You can call it 370, 371 or 372 — what difference does the number make as long as we have those guarantees? Whatever was taken away from us after August 5, 2019, all control has been taken back,” Bukhari said.
Referring to recent developments in Leh and Kargil, he said the people there felt the Government of India had listened to them. “In J&K, we held a public meeting and said we should also follow this. We have given our consent. Big political parties can take a step — we are ready to follow them too,” he added.
Bukhari said despite separate moves by the National Conference and the PDP, a unified platform on statehood was missing. “First identify issues on a common platform, then go to Delhi. We believe we will get things through dialogue, not confrontation,” he said.
He said the e Prime Minister and Home Minister have repeatedly said they are ready to talk. Do not delay that conversation. Patience is slowly decreasing.
The Apni Party chief also flagged unemployment, inflation, and corruption as serious concerns. “Unemployment among educated youth is huge — 16 to 17 lakh, some say 32 to 35 lakh. Inflation is high. Corruption is at every level — we have never seen this much,” he said.
He demanded early conduct of panchayat, municipal, and local body elections. “Power consolidated in one hand is not justice. Grassroots democracy must be strengthened,” he said.
On the Amarnath Yatra, Altaf Bukhari welcomed pilgrims but urged the administration to ensure smooth movement of both yatris and locals. “Do not close highways unnecessarily. Ensure both yatra and regular tourism run smoothly,” he said.
In a significant appeal, he called for release of innocent youth lodged in various jails. “Ninety-five to 99 percent of them are innocent. After normalcy, they have the right to be released. The Supreme Court has said delay in justice is denial of justice. This should apply in J&K too,” he said.
He also expressed concern over several tourist spots remaining closed. “Ahrarbal is closed, Bangus is closed, Doodhpatri’s upper area is closed. If they don’t open today, when will they open and for whom?” he asked.
Bukhari reiterated his party’s readiness to work with all stakeholders. “This is the problem of all J&K people — we will support anything about their rights and human rights,” he said. (KNS)