Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 22: Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari today praised the people of Kashmir for courageously condemning terrorism in the wake of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, calling it a “significant shift” in the region’s collective mindset.
Speaking at a gathering at the party headquarters in Srinagar, shortly after the Panther Party Beam Group officially merged with the Apni Party, Bukhari said, “for the first time since 1987, people are openly speaking against terrorism. This is a big change, and I commend their bravery.”
He described the merger as a significant step toward unifying like-minded political groups committed to peace and development. “The unity of such groups will strengthen our collective efforts for progress,” he said. Click here to watch video
Reaffirming his party’s 2020 agenda, Bukhari emphasized the need to safeguard land and job rights and to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s Statehood. “We will achieve this goal sooner or later,” he added.
Bukhari also criticized previous Governments, accusing them of “selling out everything, even our identity,” and held them responsible for the loss of Jammu and Kashmir’s Statehood. “People were misled by lofty election promises, only to be betrayed within six months,” he said.
While expressing gratitude to the Central Government for addressing concerns related to land and employment, Bukhari noted that full Statehood remains pending. “We hope it will be restored soon,” he added.
He clarified that although his party has never favored confrontation with the Central Government, it would not bow down like the current Government. “We cannot submit to the way the present Government is doing, ignoring the emotions and aspirations of the people. People made a wrong decision last time, but now the truth is in front of them,” he said.
Calling for a shift in political priorities, Bukhari urged leaders to prioritize public welfare over personal or party interests. “Violence has only brought pain and setbacks. Our sorrow is not just for economic losses but for the innocent lives lost. Humanity should never be sacrificed,” he said.
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