Srinagar, 11 July (H.S.): Apni Party president Mohd Altaf Bukhari today reiterated his demand to the Union Government for the immediate restoration of Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and unmerge J&K from AGMUT cadre.
He also urged the Centre to fulfill its promise of “engaging with the people of J&K to address their issues and grievances.” Apni Party leader called on the Central Government to delink J&K from the AGMUT cadre.
Bukhari further requested the Government to officially observe July 13 as Martyrs’ Day, in remembrance of those who laid down their lives on this day in 1931. He announced that the Apni Party leadership will visit the martyrs’ graveyard at Naqshband Sahib in Srinagar to pay tribute on their anniversary.
He voiced these demands today while addressing a workers’ convention at the party headquarters in Srinagar. The event was part of an ongoing series of conventions aimed at fostering engagement with party leaders and senior workers across various districts in the Valley.
Referring to the events of August 5, 2019, Bukhari said that on this day, the people of J&K were stabbed and stripped of their legitimate rights. He vowed that the Apni Party will continue its struggle for the restoration of these rights and will always stand with the people.
Referring to Home Minister Amit Shah’s commitment about engaging with J&K youth, he said, “Amit Shah, you had said that you would not talk to Pakistan, but instead speak with your own people in Jammu and Kashmir. Please follow through on that promise. If the Government can engage with the people of Leh and Kargil to address their issues and grievances, why not with the people of Jammu and Kashmir?”
“Statehood is our right-restoring it would not be a favour. The Centre must reinstate Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir without any further delay,” he added.
Bukhari, yet again urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to set 50-year residency requirement for domicile eligibility. He also demanded holding of Panchayat and ULB elections.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar
