Srinagar, Sep 27: Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Sunday said the National Conference-led government should be held accountable if any demographic change takes place in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a public meeting at Natipora in Srinagar’s Chanapora constituency, Bukhari questioned the government over alleged land purchases by outsiders, asking who had allowed a Mumbai-based individual to purchase land for a hotel at Syedpora and a Delhi-based company to acquire 150 kanals at Chatterhama, Hazratbal.
He claimed such transactions were not permissible under the existing domicile laws of J&K and said it was the government’s responsibility to prevent any attempt at demographic change.
Bukhari also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to initiate direct dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly youth, to address what he described as a prevailing trust deficit.
He cited issues including police verification for passports and jobs, prolonged detention of some youth and repeated police summons, saying these concerns needed to be addressed through meaningful engagement.
Taking aim at the NC government, Bukhari alleged that it had failed to fulfil promises made during the 2024 Assembly elections. He cited commitments relating to restoration of Articles 370 and 35A, statehood, 200 units of free electricity and free gas cylinders.
He also criticised disruptions in the J&K Assembly, saying people had expected the elected government to use the House to address issues such as unemployment, detainees and livelihood concerns.
On Srinagar’s downtown areas, Bukhari highlighted what he described as shortages of housing, basic infrastructure, employment opportunities and drinking water. He also raised concerns over the condition of public infrastructure in Chanapora, including a marriage hall, stadium, Chanapora Hospital and Budshah Nagar dispensary.
Senior Apni Party leaders Ghulam Hassan Mir, Mohammad Syed Akhoon, Rafi Ahmad Mir and Mohammad Ashraf Mir also criticised the NC government over its performance and alleged failure to fulfil election promises.
Ghulam Hassan Mir questioned the government over commitments on free electricity, gas cylinders, additional ration and restoration of Articles 370 and 35A.
Akhoon said he had cautioned the NC leadership before the 2024 elections against making promises he believed could not be fulfilled, while Rafi Ahmad Mir urged people to reconsider their dependence on traditional political parties.
Mohammad Ashraf Mir alleged that the elected government had failed to address pressing public issues.
