Srinagar, July 18: Apni Party on Saturday extended support to the demand for restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir but announced that it would not participate in the National Conference’s proposed sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 20.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the party’s senior leadership at its Srinagar headquarters and announced by party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari at a press conference.
Bukhari said the demand for statehood reflects the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and has been one of the party’s core agendas since its formation in March 2020.
“We fully support the demand for restoration of statehood, but we have decided not to be part of the proposed protest,” he said.
He maintained that the restoration of statehood and other constitutional rights could be achieved through “meaningful dialogue and constructive engagement” with the Centre rather than protests and confrontation.
“History has shown that confrontation has only resulted in the loss of rights. Dialogue remains the most practical and effective way to secure the aspirations of the people,” Bukhari said.
Taking a swipe at the National Conference, he said the ruling party had taken six years to raise the issue of statehood and had announced the protest without consulting other political stakeholders.
“Had there been broader consultations, a more effective strategy could have emerged,” he said, adding that important issues such as statehood, constitutional safeguards for land and jobs, and the release of detainees require a united political approach.
Bukhari also said the National Conference, being an elected government, should utilise constitutional and political channels to pursue the issue with the Centre instead of resorting to street protests.
Responding to questions, he said the Apni Party would continue to hold the National Conference accountable for what he termed its failure to deliver on governance despite receiving a strong public mandate.
He also urged the Centre to fulfil its commitment to bridge the “Dilli aur Dil ki Douriyan” and initiate dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, while reiterating the party’s demand for restoration of constitutional rights.
Senior party leaders, including Mohammad Dilawar Mir, Rafi Ahmad Mir, Mohammad Ashraf Mir and Abdul Majeed Padder, were present at the press conference.
