AP committed to ensuring economic, political empowerment of people: Bukhari

J&K Apni Party’s Altaf Bukhari, Gh Hassan Mir along with other party leaders during a public meeting in Chanapora on Sunday. -Excelsior/Shakeel
J&K Apni Party’s Altaf Bukhari, Gh Hassan Mir along with other party leaders during a public meeting in Chanapora on Sunday. -Excelsior/Shakeel

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 5: Apni Party, led by Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, conducted public rallies in Srinagar’s Chanapora and Pulwama in South Kashmir as part of its ongoing campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
During the rallies, Bukhari emphasized the party’s commitment to ensuring economic and political empowerment for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
In a rally held in the Lal Nagar area of Chanapora, Bukhari addressed a large crowd, asserting that Apni Party’s political philosophy is rooted in integrity and realism, contrasting sharply with the traditional political narratives which he claimed often mislead the public with unattainable promises.
“We promise only what we can deliver, focusing on achievable goals like ensuring a dignified life, permanent peace, and equitable development across Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Click here to watch video
Further highlighting the party’s agenda, Bukhari made a significant pledge at the Pulwama rally, promising the release of 1400 youths from jails and expediting police verifications for job and passport applicants, aiming to address immediate local grievances.
Bukhari strongly criticized traditional political parties for what he described as “decades of corruption” and “deceptive politics” that have exploited the emotional sentiments of the people for political gain.
He accused these parties of promoting violence and misleading the youth, leading to widespread suffering.
“These parties promised autonomy and self-rule but ended up consolidating power within specific families,” he remarked.
Ghulam Hassan Mir, Apni Party’s Senior Vice President, also spoke at the Chanapora rally, condemning the established parties for their role in leading the youth towards conflict.
Mir called for the removal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and advocated for the army’s return to barracks, citing the restoration of peace in the region.
Mir criticized the response of traditional party representatives during the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, noting their silence during a critical time for the state.
He appealed to the electorate to reject these traditional parties in favor of Apni Party, which he promised would genuinely represent the interests of Jammu and Kashmir in parliament.
The rallies were well attended by party functionaries and supporters, signalling strong local support for Apni Party’s straightforward and action-oriented political approach as the Lok Sabha elections approach.
Besides Bukhari and Mir, prominent party leaders who were present on the occasion included Mohammad Ashraf Dar, Bilal Ahmad Bhat, Aijaz Ahmad Rather, Shoaib Dar, Ajaz Ahmad Khan, Nazir Ahmad, Abdul Hameed, and others.