Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Oct 9: J&K Apni Party President Altaf Bukhari today called for a political consensus among parties to collectively seek the restoration of Statehood for J&K.
Addressing a press conference here, Bukhari also urged the Supreme Court to defer the hearing on the plea seeking restoration of Statehood, to prevent its “politicization” ahead of elections in parts of the country.
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“We do not know who took the Statehood issue to the court – certainly not the people of J&K. We don’t know who is the actor and who is the director,” he said.
“I urge the Supreme Court to defer the matter till the elections are over so that the issue is not used for political gains,” he said.
Questioning the division among political parties on the Statehood demand, Bukhari said consensus was vital to jointly convince New Delhi and ensure people of J&K get what is rightfully theirs.
He questioned the Centre’s earlier assurance of dialogue with the people of J&K, urging it to start the process without delay.
“The Prime Minister and Home Minister had said they would talk to the people of J&K. Was that just rhetoric? J&K is not Bihar or Delhi; it has its own position. The process of dialogue must begin and people must get what is rightfully theirs,” he asserted.
Referring to the completion of one year since the “historic” Assembly election results, Bukhari said the elected Government had failed to deliver on the ground. “If anyone knows their address, please let us know,” he remarked sarcastically.
“We have seen them roaming around in cars, but on the ground, the delivery is zero. The Government has spent barely 10 to 20 percent of its budget while the working season has ended. Only 35 per cent funds have been released – my God be with such a Government,” he said.
Announcing that the Apni Party will participate in the upcoming bypolls, Bukhari said the move was aimed at registering a “protest” rather than merely contesting for victory.
“We will go to the people and ask whether those they trusted have delivered. Our candidates will be finalized soon,” he added.
He accused both the National Conference (NC) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of indulging in criticism and counter-criticism instead of governance.
“BJP is treating J&K like a stepchild and has failed to meet the expectations of Jammu’s people. NC is hiding its shortcomings. Those who reached the Assembly are doing nothing for the people; if they were, our youth wouldn’t be in jails,” he said.
He also expressed concern over farmers’ losses, urging the Government to provide transport subsidies and utilise available funds. “Nobody seems concerned about the farmers,” he said.
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