SRINAGAR: Apni Party President Altaf Bukhari on Saturday reiterated his party’s firm commitment to restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, emphasizing that the issue demands united political pressure rather than isolated statements.
Speaking to reporters, Bukhari said the restoration of statehood is a public concern that must be addressed through collective political will. He urged all political parties and leaders to come together and mount serious pressure on the central government to achieve this goal.
“This is not a matter for individual statements or party posturing—it concerns the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said. “If the public is not out on the streets for this cause, then political leaders must take the lead. Ask yourself—other than Apni Party, who is actively pushing for statehood?”
Bukhari criticised some political figures for prioritizing personal interests and making sporadic appearances without contributing to a coordinated effort. He asserted that Apni Party is actively organizing, mobilizing, and working on the ground to press for the restoration of statehood.
Taking aim at opposition parties, Bukhari blamed the Congress for its role in the events of August 5, 2019, when Article 370 was abrogated. “Had Congress not supported the BJP then, things would have been different,” he claimed, adding that this political alignment still influences the region’s current situation.
Responding to questions about backdoor meetings with the Lieutenant Governor, Bukhari dismissed their effectiveness and challenged their outcomes. “I have already named leaders who were expelled by their parties for meeting the LG. What has the public gained from these meetings?” he asked. “Our party, on the other hand, has safeguarded land and job rights—others can only point to personal gains.”
Bukhari also criticised the current state of the PDP, saying it is no longer the party that Mufti Mohammad Sayeed once led. He claimed that loyalists of the late leader are being sidelined and invited them to join the Apni Party, which he described as a platform for the people rather than a dynastic setup.
“The public wants leadership that is rooted in the community, not a political dynasty on rotation,” he said, highlighting his party’s expansion across districts, including beyond J&K into Uttar Pradesh, where more leaders are expected to join.
On recent killings under investigation, Bukhari said he believes they were murders and expressed hope for a fair and transparent probe by the SITs.
Commenting on governance, he criticized delays in key decisions related to public welfare and urged the administration not to hide behind procedural excuses. “People need results, not red tape,” he said.
