Altaf Bukhari Calls for United Political Front to Seek Restoration of J&K Statehood
Apni Party urges stakeholders to speak in one voice with Centre; says statehood and constitutional rights must be restored
SRINAGAR, June 9: Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party on Tuesday called for a united political front to pursue the restoration of statehood and other constitutional rights of Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that all stakeholders must set aside political differences and engage with the Centre through a coordinated and collective approach.
Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters in Srinagar, Apni Party President Altaf Bukhari said the party’s Political Affairs Committee had recently reviewed the prevailing political situation in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the demand for restoration of statehood.
Bukhari expressed concern that certain political parties were attempting to derive political mileage from what he described as a serious and sensitive issue.
“We observed that some political parties are trying to gain political advantage from the issue of statehood restoration. This is a matter that concerns the entire people of Jammu and Kashmir and should not be reduced to a party-specific agenda,” he said.
Referring to the ruling National Conference’s announcement to stage a protest at Jantar Mantar on the opening day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session, Bukhari said the issue required broader collective efforts rather than individual party initiatives.
“Through this move, the National Conference is trying to project the issue as its own demand, whereas the restoration of statehood and constitutional rights is a larger concern that requires all political stakeholders to work together and persuade New Delhi collectively,” he said.
Drawing parallels with the united approach adopted by political and social groups in Ladakh and Kargil, Bukhari said Jammu and Kashmir’s leadership should emulate a similar model to effectively pursue its demands.
“I had recently said in Jammu that the way leaders and representatives from Ladakh and Kargil put aside their differences and united to seek their rights from New Delhi, we too must adopt the same approach. Whatever has to be achieved will come from New Delhi, and therefore we must raise our voice collectively,” he said.
The Apni Party president urged all stakeholders to come together, identify priority issues, formulate a common roadmap and engage with the Centre in a constructive manner.
“A confrontational approach towards the Centre will not serve our interests. We need dialogue, coordination and a united strategy to achieve our goals,” he added.
Bukhari reiterated that his party would support any sincere joint initiative aimed at raising the genuine concerns of Jammu and Kashmir before the Centre, irrespective of which political party takes the lead.
He also called upon the Union Government to initiate a dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the youth, recalling assurances previously made by the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister.
“The people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially our youth, are facing serious challenges. Lakhs of educated young people are struggling with unemployment, while corruption has made life difficult for common citizens. There are also many people lodged in prisons who deserve consideration and an opportunity to reunite with their families,” he said.
Bukhari maintained that while restoration of statehood remains the foremost priority, other constitutional rights and administrative safeguards that were withdrawn after August 5, 2019, should also be restored.
“Statehood is our top priority, but at the same time, all constitutional rights that were taken away must be restored. The merger of the J&K IAS and KAS cadres with AGMUT should be reversed, and other safeguards and guarantees should also be brought back,” he said.
The Apni Party leader said the aspirations and concerns of the people of Jammu and Kashmir could be addressed effectively only through meaningful engagement and a united political effort focused on the region’s long-term interests.
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