Apni Party ready for joint fight on statehood: Altaf Bukhari

Bandipora, Aug 7: Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Friday said his party is prepared to join hands with the National Conference and other regional parties if a united political platform is formed for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.
Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a party convention at Sonawari in Sumbal, Bandipora, Bukhari said the Apni Party has consistently advocated for the restoration of statehood and protection of the rights of the people, adding that several regional parties had raised the issue only years after the constitutional changes of August 5, 2019.
“If the National Conference believes a joint consultation and collective struggle is required for the restoration of statehood, the Apni Party is ready to participate and will extend its full support,” he said.
Describing August 5, 2019 as a “tragedy” for Jammu and Kashmir, Bukhari said his party has from the beginning demanded safeguards for land and employment rights, asserting that these issues remain central to the aspirations of the people.
Commenting on the controversy surrounding PDP president Mehbooba Mufti’s display of the national flag, Bukhari said the incident appeared to be inadvertent. “To error is human,” he remarked, suggesting there was no deliberate intent behind the mistake.
Referring to the FIR registered against PDP leader Iltija Mufti, Bukhari appealed to the authorities to adopt a compassionate approach, saying she should be forgiven. Drawing a comparison with the Centre’s decision to withdraw cases against protesting aspirants in other parts of the country, he urged the government to show similar consideration towards the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.
Bukhari also said the Apni Party has prepared a comprehensive roadmap to address unemployment in the Union Territory and promised that the party would continue working on policies aimed at creating opportunities for educated youth. [KNT]