Srinagar, August 23: Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Sunday accused the National Conference (NC) government of failing to address the social, economic and political concerns of Srinagar’s residents, while demanding an immediate rollback of the recent power tariff hike.
Bukhari was addressing a public meeting at Brain Nishat in Srinagar organised to welcome prominent political and social leader Amir Bhat and his associates into the Apni Party. Bhat, who was previously associated with the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), was also declared the party’s face for the Khanyar constituency.
Bukhari said Srinagar residents had consistently supported the National Conference, but alleged that the party had failed to address their basic needs despite remaining in power for decades.
“People in Srinagar are grappling with inadequate housing, limited livelihood opportunities, unemployment and a shortage of essential public infrastructure,” Bukhari said, adding that several areas continue to face deficiencies in basic amenities, including healthcare and safe drinking water.
He said Apni Party would focus on improving living standards, creating employment opportunities, strengthening public infrastructure and ensuring better housing facilities for the people of Srinagar.
Referring specifically to Brain Nishat, Bukhari said the area lacked a health centre providing round-the-clock medical services and did not have a marriage hall, among other infrastructural shortcomings.
He urged young leaders such as Amir Bhat to work towards the development of Srinagar and said the Apni Party’s doors were open to young and committed political workers.
Bukhari also attacked the NC government over what he termed its failure to fulfil promises made during the 2024 Assembly elections. He questioned the government over commitments relating to one lakh jobs, additional ration quotas, free LPG cylinders and regularisation of daily wagers.
Challenging Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to demonstrate the government’s performance through tangible work, Bukhari said that if the government could not fulfil its commitments and address public concerns, it should step down.
On the issue of electricity tariffs, Bukhari strongly criticised the recent hike, saying it would place an additional financial burden on already struggling households. He demanded that Omar Abdullah, who also holds the Power portfolio, immediately withdraw the order announcing the tariff increase.
Bukhari also appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to initiate a meaningful dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the youth, to understand and address their grievances.
He maintained that the Centre should work towards restoring the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, saying that their demands were for rights guaranteed to citizens under the Constitution.
Speaking on the occasion, Apni Party vice president Mohammad Syed Akhoon alleged that he had been expelled from the National Conference after raising objections to its manifesto ahead of the 2024 Assembly elections.
Akhoon said he had told the NC leadership that promises such as one lakh government jobs, 200 units of free electricity and free gas cylinders would be difficult to fulfil and had urged the party not to make misleading commitments to voters.
He said the present situation, according to him, had vindicated his concerns, with people now questioning the government over the non-fulfilment of its election promises.
Apni Party provincial president Mohammad Ashraf Mir said the development and prosperity of Srinagar remained one of the party’s core priorities. He urged young people to join the party’s efforts and asked workers to remain connected with residents and raise their issues with the concerned authorities.
The meeting was attended by several senior Apni Party leaders and office-bearers, including chief spokesperson and state secretary Muntazir Mohiudin, state youth president Yawar Dilawar Mir, Srinagar district president Zaffar Habib, provincial secretary Mohammad Saleem Lone, provincial coordinator Kashmir Shabir Ahmad Reshi and other party leaders and workers.
The event also marked the formal induction of Amir Bhat and his associates into the Apni Party fold.
