Srinagar, 25 July (H.S.): Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari has accused the Congress of playing a role in the abrogation of Article 370 and the stripping of Jammu and Kashmir’s Statehood on August 5, 2019.
He also criticised the elected Government in the UT for failing to deliver good governance due to “lack of political will”.
Speaking to reporters after chairing a provincial meeting in Jammu, Bukhari said that while Congress now demands restoration of Statehood, the party was complicit in the events of August 5.
“The changes wouldn’t have been possible in Rajya Sabha without Congress support. They had the power to stop the bifurcation of J&K but chose not to,” he said.
He reiterated that the Apni Party has been consistently fighting for the protection of land and job rights of J&K residents, and for the restoration of Statehood.
He assured that the party will continue its efforts until full Statehood is granted back.
Targeting the ruling NC-led Government in the Union Territory, Bukhari said, “With over 50 members in the Assembly, they’ve failed to govern because they lack the will. They misled the public with false promises like restoring Article 370, two lakh jobs, 300 units of free electricity and 12 gas cylinders.”
He also alleged that the BJP polarised the electorate on communal lines in the last elections instead of regional ones.
Urging the Prime Minister to intervene, he demanded early Urban Local Body and Panchayat elections in J&K, claiming that the ruling party avoids them to deny power to grassroots representatives.
On Kashmiri Pandits, he said the Apni Party supports every step aimed at their well-being.
The provincial-level meeting also saw discussions on pressing public issues and party matters.
Senior leaders including Vijay Bakaya, Manjit Singh, Shah Mohammad Tantray, Arun Chhibber, Ajaz Kazmi and others were present in the meeting.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar
