AP issues first list of candidates
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Aug 21: Apni Party today released the poll manifesto for the upcoming Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that it will fight for the restoration of Statehood.
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Addressing a press conference, Apni Party general secretary Rafi Ahmad Mir said that the party will fight for the restoration of Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. He said that the party will also speak about the Public Safety Act against Kashmiri youth.
“Our agenda will be to release all those youth who have not committed heinous crimes and will work on releasing them under one time amnesty.”
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Mir further said that the party will fight to restore the amended laws, protection of land, jobs and return of Kashmiri Pandits. “The party will work on old pension scheme and we will ensure that 500 units of free electricity is provided for Kashmir region during winters,” he said.
The Apni Party will press for Constitutional guarantees to preserve the culture and special identity of Jammu and Kashmir, similar to the provisions of Article 371 in some north-eastern States.
“This includes land and job protection, addressing the people’s sense of loss,” the manifesto read.
The party said it will work tirelessly to restore Statehood as promised by the Union Home Minister on August 5, 2019. It also promised the restoration of repealed and amended laws.
“The Apni Party will revisit and restore all the laws that were withdrawn or amended over time. Our party will secure Constitutional guarantees for the protection of land and job security for local youth,” the manifesto said.
“We will vigorously seek the reinstatement of a bicameral Legislature, comprising both a Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council, as existed before August 5, 2019”.
On the issue of the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, the party said it believes in their dignified return and if elected to power, will form an apex committee to address the issue.
“We will consult with their representatives to facilitate their return. An apex committee, chaired by the Chief Minister and comprising representatives of all registered Kashmiri Pandit organisations, will be constituted. This committee will meet every six months to address migrant issues. The Revenue Minister will serve as the convener,” the manifesto added.
The party said it will leave no stone unturned to secure the early release of detainees not involved in heinous crimes.
“We will ensure the establishment of a fast-track board to review and dispose of cases for those languishing in jails under the Public Safety Act (PSA) even after their imprisonment terms have expired.
“Cases against teenagers detained in the summer of 2016, now adults, will also be withdrawn to enable them to pursue Government jobs without hindrance. Apni Party will ensure one-time amnesty for all the detainees with a cut-off date ending August 2024 on production of an affidavit attested from court,” it said.
The Apni Party will create a conducive atmosphere for long-lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir, it added.
The party also said it will work to restore the powers of the Cabinet and Chief Minister, recently transferred to the Lieutenant Governor by the Centre.
It also promised to provide 500 units of free power per month per household in Kashmir during winter (October to March) and in Jammu during summer (April to September).
The Apni Party will provide four free LPG cylinder refills annually to every BPL and AAY family, it also added.
In the meantime, the party announced the Assembly mandates for several constituencies.
A party statement said that the mandates were recommended by the chairman of Parliamentary Affairs Committee (PAC), Mohammad Dilawar Mir and were approved by the party president, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari.
As per the handout, Rafi Ahmad Mir has been given the Pahalgam, Hilal Ahmad Shah Anantnag, Tariq Shah Veeri Bijbehara, Abdul Majeed Padder DH Pora, Riyaz Ahmat Bhat Devsar, Advocate Gowher Hassan Wani Zainapora, Mir Altaf Pampore, and Adv. Owais Khan Shopian.
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