AP for restoration of J&K’s identity, PAGD stands exposed, Bukhari

SRINAGAR – Reiterating the demand of restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s identity, Apni Party (AP) president on Monday said that Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) stands exposed by its alleged deceptive politics.
“We expect restoration of statehood before Assembly Elections”, former minister Mr Bukhri told reporters after addressing core group meeting of the party in Srinagar.
He said various matters relating to the functioning of the party and current socio-economic political situation in J&K were discussed in detail during the group meeting which was attended by all senior party leaders, including senior vice president Ghulam Hassam Mir.
Bukhari said that AP remains firm on its pragmatic stand and does not change narrative with regards to the situation, place or audience.
We are also desirous of restoration of Special Status to J&K and we expect a favorable decision by the Supreme Court in this regard. Even if the Apex Court’s verdict disregards peoples’ aspirations, AP will pursue the same with the leadership of the country,” he observed.
“There is no room for shifting stands in AP while as we see that PAGD leaders are speaking different voices in Kashmir, Jammu and Delhi”, he alleged
He said on one hand PAGD is speaking about the ‘No Compromise’ on Article-370 and 35A but on the same time it becomes a signatory to opposition memorandums that do not even mention about the restoration of Article 379 and 35 A. Bukhari said PAGD is trying to keep the people away from development based politics through its hollow and emotional slogans because its constituents do not want to be held accountable for their dismal failures and historical blunders committed from time to time for the sake of power.
He said it seems that the major constituents of PAGD are unable to comprehend the fast changing geo-political dynamics in the region and want people of J&K to perpetually get consumed to the nefarious designs of the forces inimical to peace.
These parties, the former minister said, continued to cling to power despite hundreds being killed and thousands being blinded under their noses. However, fear-mongering still remains a vital tool in the hands of PAGD in order to secure its vote bank as these factions want to regain their lost credibility and relevance among the people of J&K,” he remarked.
Bukhari said that AP has not only safeguarded the socio-economic and legal rights of the people but also ensured measures by the Government of India (GoI) to create an enabling and peaceful atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir.
Referring to the remarks made by President Ram Nath Kovind during his recent visit to J&K wherein he said, democracy has within its capacity to reconcile all differences; Bukhari reiterated AP’s demand for restoration of Statehood and early elections in J&K.
He said that the grievances of the people are addressed by an elected and accountable government and cannot be substituted by any bureaucratic regime.
“Our demand assumes more significance in view of the remarks made by the Parliamentary Committee on Home Affairs which in its recent visit to J&K expressed satisfaction over the security situation saying that militancy is at an all-time low and there have been no instances of stone pelting in the Valley,” he observed.
Bukhari demanded that the process of delimitation should be expedited as it can catalyze the electoral process in J&K.
In the meeting, AP leaders demanded a thorough security review of political activists so that they can continue with a hassle-free political process across Jammu and Kashmir.
“Security of political activists, irrespective of their party affiliations, needs to be reviewed. Besides, we would also like to appeal to other political parties to stop their two-hoot policy and join AP’s pragmatic politics in order to prevent further loss of life in J&K,” AP leadership observed.
They also raised serious concerns over the exponential increase in unemployment rates while seeking stern actions against those involved in corruption irrespective of their position and status.
“Regularization of casual laborers, daily wagers, ITI Skilled, need based, HDF, NYCs, Computer Operators and consolidated workers is a must. Similarly, infusing capital for the revival of PSUs, disbursing of salaries, pension to PSU employees, retirees, adjudication of land compensation cases and issues faced by the mining sector across J&K need to be resolved once for all,” they said.