‘JI’s decision to embrace democracy good move’
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 17: Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari today said a wave of change is apparent in terms of people placing their trust in the democratic process in Jammu and Kashmir. He said a significant number of voter turnout in the Lok Sabha polls in the Srinagar constituency indicates that people have realised value of their vote.
The Apni Party president made these remarks today while addressing a public rally in Yaripora area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district.
On this occasion, prominent political and social activists Mohammad Aaqib Dar, and Abdul Rehman Bhat joined Apni Party along with their associates. Bukhari accorded a warm welcome to the new entrants into the party fold.
Speaking on the occasion, Bukhari expressed hope that people will reject the traditional parties through the power of their vote in the ongoing parliamentary elections.
“I can assure you that a wave of change is apparent in Jammu and Kashmir, and I am sure people will put an end to the dynastic politics here through the power of their vote. I request people to break the chains and rid themselves of the decades-long exploitation by the traditional political parties,” he added.
He urged people to vote for Zaffar Iqbal Manhas, Apni Party’s candidate from Rajouri-Anantnag constituency.
“We have to ensure that statehood is restored to Jammu and Kashmir, and draconian laws are revoked here. I request you to strengthen the Apni Party to enable it to implement its pro-people agenda,” he said.
The prominent party leaders who were present on the occasion included former Mayor of Srinagar Junaid Azim Mattu, DDC Riyaz Ahmad Bhat, Mohammad Amin Bhat, Bakshi Abdul Hameed, Riyaz Ahmad Dar, Fayaz Ahmad Shah, Asif Bhat, Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat, Asif Iqbal Mir, Amir Shafi, Engineer Aaqib Ahmad, Manzoor Ahmad, Ghulam Mohiuddin, Mubarak Ahmed Khanday and Owais Mushtaq Khan.