Srinagar, June 21: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Sunday called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at the Lok Bhavan in Srinagar to discuss the prevailing political situation, besides raising important public issues and grievances.
During the meeting, Bukhari raised a range of issues and problems that people are grappling with and urged the LG to ensure these issues are promptly addressed.
They also deliberated on the prevailing political and security situation in Jammu and Kashmir
According to a press release issued here, Apni Party President also apprised the LG of the official neglect towards several key developmental issues, affecting the people.
He said that residents from various parts of Srinagar city have complained about the inadequate supply of drinking water, while farmers in several areas across the Valley are facing a shortage of irrigation water for their paddy fields.
Mr Bukhari expressed concern that the departments and officials responsible for addressing these issues do not appear to be giving them the attention they deserve. As a result, people are being forced to suffer due to these persistent shortcomings, which continue to affect their daily lives and livelihoods.
He also raised the issue of Kashmiri mutton traders who are allegedly being subjected to undue charges while transporting livestock to Jammu and Kashmir.
He said that “livestock-carrying vehicles entering Jammu and Kashmir through Punjab are being charged substantial fees from 15 to 20 thousand rupees at the Simbu and Madhopur checkpoints.”
He pointed out that “these charges are unjustified and not applicable in the case of J&K mutton traders, as they do not procure livestock from Punjab. Instead, they buy their livestock from states such as Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi.”
Mr. Bukhari said that “these unwarranted charges ultimately contribute to price inflation, placing an additional burden on ordinary consumers in Jammu and Kashmir.”
He requested the intervention of the LG to put an end to this practice.
In response, the LG assured Mr. Bukhari that he would take up the matter with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and make efforts to ensure that the prevailing practice of fee collection is discontinued.
Mr. Bukhari thanked the LG for the decision to reopen the historic Naranag Temple in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district for devotees and tourists. At the same time, he requested the LG to consider reopening other tourist destinations and attractions that were closed following the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam last year.
Responding to the request, the LG said that the administration is regularly reviewing the security situation and assured Bukhari that all presently closed tourist destinations would be eventually reopened in a phased manner.
Bukhari also raised concerns about the developmental deficit, particularly in Srinagar city. He stressed the urgent need for the repair and reconstruction of roads, lanes, and by-lanes across various city areas, saying that the poor condition of the infrastructure is causing inconvenience to residents and requires immediate attention from the administration.
Apni Party President also apprised the LG of the allegations regarding backdoor appointments, and said that whenever such allegations surface, they create a sense of frustration and disappointment among the youth, who look towards transparent and merit-based recruitment processes.
The LG reiterated his commitment to resolving public grievances and taking appropriate measures to ensure that the concerns highlighted by Bukhari receive the attention they deserve.
