Jammu, 18 April (H.S.): Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari today said people in Kashmir “missed a major opportunity for change” in the 2024 Assembly elections by rejecting his party, accusing traditional political parties of deceiving voters and failing to deliver on their promises.

Speaking to reporters here, Bukhari said the Apni Party had offered a viable alternative, including a promise of general amnesty for prisoners, which he described as the only practical way forward.

“All prisoners should be released. We had said there is only one way-amnesty. Parties in power cannot do that, and people lost a big chance in 2024. We will ensure amnesty on a single affidavit when that opportunity comes again,” he said.

He alleged that “traditional parties” misled the people and deprived them of a significant political opportunity.

He asserted that the Apni Party was not controlled by any particular family and would “compel the Centre” to announce a general amnesty for detainees if given a chance.

“This party does not belong to any family,” he said, adding that if the present ruling parties fail, his party would also ensure restoration of statehood.

On reservation policy, he said it should be based on population and implemented on a regional basis.

“Seventy percent population cannot be left with 30 percent jobs. Kashmir jobs must be for Kashmir, Jammu jobs for Jammu, while SC/ST quota should come from the Jammu share,” he said.

Criticising ruling parties, Bukhari said they had failed to fulfil any of their commitments despite securing a “massive mandate.”

Referring to developments following the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A, he asked, “What happened to 370, 35A and statehood? What did they trade for power? People deserve answers.”

He also questioned the role of the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration and accused mainstream parties of changing their stance after 2019.

“When we asked them in 2019 to meet people and address their issues, they were not ready and termed meeting the Lieutenant Governor as ‘betrayal’. Today they are frequently approaching the LG and do not have time to meet people,” he said.

Bukhari claimed that his party had worked to secure land and jobs after 2019 and said others could have taken the process forward.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar