Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Sept 20: Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari today said his doors are always open for Hurriyat Conference, Jamaat-e-Islami and others who believe in the Constitution of India.
Bukhari told reporters after addressing a rally at Padgampora in Pulwama that his doors are open for all those who believe in the Indian Constitution.
“My doors are open for every one either he is from Hurriyat, Jamaat-e-Islami or any other party provided they accept the Constitution of India”, he said.
“Anybody can join his Apni Party who is not involved in terrorism activities, not doing communal politics and not involved in drug mafia…all are welcome to my party for that my doors are always open,” he said.
When asked whether he is in touch with Jamaat-e-Islami, Bukhari said: “Being a resident, I am in touch with all the people of Jammu and Kashmir”.
Reacting to the statement of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, he said that democracy allows the people to elect their representatives. “The Lt Governor has the right to speak anything, but the fact is democracy exists because of the people only,” he said
Bukhari said democracy is the biggest need of this country and it is the strength of the nation.
“Democracy comes from the people who choose an elected Government”, he said and added, “Democracy is the base of this country.
“Earlier addressing a gathering, Bukhari said destiny of people of Jammu and Kashmir lies with New Delhi.
Taking a dig at the traditional political parties and their leaders, Altaf Bukhari said, “History stands witness that these parties and their leaders have always deceived people and exploited them for their own political gains, primarily for attaining power and remaining in power. These parties kept people busy with deceitful narratives and emotionally charged slogans, such as “Rai Shumari” “Autonomy”, “Self-rule,” and more. However, for themselves and their families, they chose to accumulate riches and power.”
Regarding his past engagement with the PDP, Bukhari stated: “The PDP was apparently established to put an end to the dynastic rule of the National Conference in Jammu and Kashmir. However, with the passage of time, it became evident that even the leaders of this party were establishing their own family rule here. As soon as I realised the true intentions of the party’s leaders, I quit it.”
Reiterating his perspective on J&K’s affiliation with the rest of the country, he said: “We have two distinct narratives here: one grounded in truth and the other in falsehood. The undeniable truth is that the leaders of Jammu and Kashmir opted to align with India in 1947. Regardless of whether the decision was right or wrong, the fact remains that J&K was destined to be an integral part of the country forever. We must accept this reality.”
“Had the leaders, who pursued an alternative narrative over the years, accepted this reality, the situation would have far better, and people here would not have suffered so much. However, these leaders remained rigid and refused to engage in dialogue with the Government, even when one of the Prime Ministers extended an offer of ‘sky is the limit, less than complete independence’,” he added.
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