Altaf Bukhari seeks general amnesty for people booked during 1990s turmoil

Srinagar, Nov 12: Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari on Thursday urged the Government of India (GoI) to grant a general amnesty to people who became involved in anti-national activities during the circumstances prevailing in the 1990s, saying Jammu and Kashmir has moved on and chosen the path of peace and normalcy.
Addressing a press conference here, Bukhari said many people who were once associated with anti-national narratives had since joined the mainstream, arguing that the change in people’s thinking must be reciprocated by the Centre through a process of reconciliation.
“People have realised that lasting peace is the only way to secure a better and brighter future. This change in people’s thinking must be reciprocated by the Government of India,” he said.
Bukhari said even the children and grandchildren of some leaders who were at the forefront of those developments are now participating in mainstream politics, reflecting a shift towards normalcy.
He urged the Centre to ensure that the benefits of peace and stability reached everyone, including those who may have taken the wrong path in the past.
“We cannot afford to wait for the last gun to fall silent before taking steps towards reconciliation and lasting peace,” he said, adding that Jammu and Kashmir’s position as a border region required a forward-looking and inclusive approach.
The Apni Party chief said efforts must continue to strengthen peace and stability, create opportunities for reconciliation and take everyone along in the journey towards lasting normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir.
Bukhari also raised concerns over the reservation policy, saying it was affecting employment opportunities for people in Kashmir. He said nearly 70 per cent of the population is competing for 30 per cent of government jobs and called for a review of the policy.
He further sought early elections to urban local bodies, saying the absence of elected representatives is affecting the resolution of people’s day-to-day problems at the grassroots level.
On recruitment in Jammu & Kashmir Bank, he called for consideration of the age limit, arguing that candidates had lost several years waiting for fresh recruitment opportunities.
Bukhari also sought relief for consumers facing high electricity bills, urging the government to consider an amnesty for pending dues.
Referring to the political situation, he appealed to the Prime Minister to fulfil the promise of removing “Dilli ki Doori and Dil ki Doori”, saying people in Jammu and Kashmir were still waiting for meaningful progress on the commitment. (KNO)