Altaf Bukhari, G H Mir slam NC over ‘failed governance’, seek Centre–J&K youth dialogue

Urge people stop falling prey to NC’s exploitive politics and reject its continued lies and emotional slogans

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, JULY 14 (STC) : Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari and Senior Vice President Ghulam Hassan Mir, who are currently on an outreach tour of the Pir Panjal region, lashed out at the ruling National Conference, accusing it of failures and deception. They reiterated the party’s demand that New Delhi must engage in a dialogue with the people, especially the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, in order to address their issues and grievances.
According to the party statement, Altaf Bukhari took a swipe at the ruling National Conference, alleging that “instead of fulfilling its primary responsibility of ensuring effective governance and accelerating the development of Jammu and Kashmir, the government has been misleading people with false promises and emotional slogans.”
He urged people to stop repeatedly falling prey to what he described as the ruling party’s tactics and to tell it that “enough is enough.”
“Developmental work has come to a standstill. In several areas, people still do not have access to potable drinking water. Many schools lack even basic toilet facilities. Yet, this government appears least concerned about these issues. Instead, it remains focused on keeping people occupied with emotional slogans to divert attention from its failures,” he said.
Altaf Bukhari also appealed to the people to remain united despite the attempts by parties like the BJP and the NC to divide them. He said, “During the elections, the BJP polarised Hindu voters in Jammu, and eventually Muslims got united in favour of the NC. The fact is that we never had such issues here before. The diversity of religions and communities is what makes us unique and defines the people of Jammu and Kashmir. We ought to preserve communal harmony at all costs, despite the provocations by political forces, who divide people for political dividends.”
He said: “Following the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A in August 2019, everyone was apprehensive that Jammu and Kashmir would lose its demographic identity. Leaders of the Apni Party went to Delhi to meet senior government leaders, including the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Hon’ble Home Minister, and convinced them to continue the exclusive rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir over land and government jobs. It took us more than three months to convince the Centre on this issue. We also ensured the release of around 3,200 prisoners during that period. These were among the Apni Party’s key contributions soon after the party was established.”
Bukhari reiterated his demand that New Delhi must engage in a dialogue with the people, especially the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, in order to address their issues and grievances.
He expressed his concern over the issues that people in various areas across Pir Panjal areas are facing and said “People in many areas here continue to suffer due to the lack of proper road connectivity, irrigation facilities, reliable electricity, safe drinking water, and other basic amenities. There is a visible development deficit, and the reason behind it is that those who have remained in power have, instead of addressing the people’s real problems, exploited their sentiments to attain power and remain in power.”
Speaking on the occasion, Ghulam Hassan Mir took a dig at the National Conference, accusing it of lying to the people for its political gains.
He said, “They have always been like that. Remember, they claimed to be fighting for the so-called “Raishumari” (plebiscite) and continued that campaign for 22 long years. During this period, hundreds of ordinary Kashmiri youth were imprisoned. However, in the end, the NC settled for power and abandoned its so-called movement for Raishumari. This is how they exploited the people for such a long time to achieve political power.”
He went on to say, “After exploiting the issue of “Raishumari,” the party started harping on the so-called “Autonomy” demand. In recent history, it has misled people by claiming it would ensure abrogated Articles 370 and 35A is returned. This is how it has continued to mislead people and lure them for votes.”
On NC proposed sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar, Ghulam Hassan Mir said, “Everybody wants statehood to be restored to Jammu and Kashmir. However, the Apni Party believes this can be achieved through dialogue with New Delhi rather than by taking the path of confrontation. The National Conference is deliberately adopting a confrontational approach to provoke the people and divert attention from its failures and the promises it has failed to fulfill.”
Mir said that Jammu and Kashmir is in desperate need of initiatives aimed at ensuring comprehensive development and the prosperity of its people.
He said, “We need serious initiatives for comprehensive and well-planned development in Jammu and Kashmir. However, the fact is that as long as the National Conference remains in power, meaningful development will remain a dream. NC’s track record shows that whenever this party has been in power, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a development deficit.”
He added, “Conversely, whenever NC has been out of power, significant development initiatives have been undertaken. This holds true for every region of Jammu and Kashmir, including the Pir Panjal region. Therefore, if the people want development, growth, and prosperity, they must rid themselves of this government. This party is known only for exploiting people through emotional and misleading slogans. It cannot, and has never, delivered effective governance.”
Expressing his concern over the issues that Jammu Kashmir’s youth are facing, Ghulam Hassan Mir said, “Unfortunately, for a long time, misleading policies and false narratives have driven our youth on a path that led them either to the graveyards or to jails. A large number of young people have become victims of violence and guns over the years.”
“Apni Party will strive to secure a brighter future for our youth. Our young people should not have to face unemployment. They deserve ample employment avenues and the opportunities to live with dignity and hope,” Mir added.

(Straight Talk Communications)