Srinagar, 31 July (H.S.): Apni Party president Mohd Altaf Bukhari congratulated the security forces for eliminating the terrorists responsible for the killing of tourists in Pahalgam. He appealed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah to announce the release of the over two thousand people who had been arrested merely on suspicion after the Pahalgam attack.

“I congratulate the security forces for successfully neutralizing the terrorists who brutally murdered innocent tourists in Pahalgam on April 22. In light of this development, I believe there is no longer any justification for continuing to detain more than 2000 people who were taken into custody merely on suspicion following the Pahalgam terror attack. I appeal to the Home Minister to announce their release during the ongoing Parliament session,” Bukhari said.

Apni Party chief made this statement today while speaking to reporters after a party event organised to welcome Dr Harbaksh Singh, the DDC member from Tral, and his associates, including several Sarpanches and Panches, into the party fold.

Addressing the gathering Bukhari urged Centre to uphold the dignity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “Only the people of Jammu and Kashmir have been bearing the brunt of the actions of the enemy nation. Who faces the bullets and mortars fired from across the border? It is our people who die for the country—yet they are the ones being deprived of their right to a dignified life,” Bukhari said.

“I recently met a father whose son was picked up following the Pahalgam attack and sent to a jail outside Jammu and Kashmir. The father told me that his son has never been involved in any anti-national activity, nor is there any case registered against him with the police—yet he remains behind bars. What is his fault? The Centre must restore the dignity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.

Taking a dig at the ruling NC, Bukhari said, “I am disappointed with the performance of this Government. It has the support of more than 50 elected members, yet it lacks the courage to take a stand for the interests of the people.”

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar