Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 22: J&K Apni Party (JKAP) announced today its support for the People’s Conference led by Sajad Gani Lone in the North Kashmir constituency for the Lok Sabha elections.
The decision follows an earlier appeal by Sajad Gani Lone for support in North Kashmir to consolidate the anti-National Conference vote share.
Speaking at a press conference, Apni Party president Syed Muhammad Altaf Bukhari expressed the party’s satisfaction in extending support to PC, citing Sajad’s representation of new politics in Kashmir.
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“We have fielded candidates in two constituencies for the Lok Sabha polls so far; in the north, we are yet to do so. I am pleased to announce that we will be extending support to the People’s Conference led by Sajad Gani Lone in North Kashmir,” he stated.
Bukhari emphasized the need for change, urging a departure from politics driven solely by emotions and traditional practices.
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“The events of the past five years, especially the actions of political leaders, cannot be overlooked even if we were to forget the last 70 years,” he remarked.
He highlighted that without the emergence of the Apni Party, the voices of the people would have remained unheard.
“Since 2019, we have been the only party to rise to prominence, continuing to progress without looking back. Despite facing criticism, we have received significant support, enabling us to emerge as a major political force,” he added.
Discussing post-2019 issues such as job scarcity and land concerns, the Apni Party chief noted, “Following our meetings with the Prime Minister and Home Minister, we successfully secured job and land protections. We approached them not out of a hunger for power, but out of genuine concern for the people’s welfare.”
Bukhari criticized political parties with members in Parliament during the Article 370 abrogation, saying despite having five MPs, none resigned after the 2019 decision. “Perhaps, if they had, the need for the creation of our party would have been obviated.”
He further expressed disappointment that the issues faced by the people of J&K were not addressed by leaders who were in the Parliament and had the means to engage with the Prime Minister and Home Minister.
Addressing the accomplishments of MPs over the past five years, Bukhari questioned, “What projects have they brought to Jammu and Kashmir, aside from their salaries? What reason do they have to ask for votes?”
He also advised traditional political leaders to retire and not incite youth to battle, emphasizing that J&K’s destiny was decided in 1947, and it lies with India.
“It was Delhi that gave us wounds, and it will be Delhi that ensures the remedy; the remedy won’t come from Washington or Islamabad,” he said.
Responding to a query about Mehbooba Mufti, Bukhari highlighted her history of presenting ‘golden dreams’ to people and her role in breaking the PAGD alliance in 2019.
Regarding Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent statement, Bukhari mentioned, “The unidentified gunmen have been identified through the Home Minister’s statement, wherein he accused the NC, Congress, and PDP of orchestrating fake encounters.”
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