Apni Party head meets PM, demands restoration of statehood

Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari on January 25 known as on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi and positioned a quantity of demands, together with the restoration of statehood to the Union Territory (U.T.) of J&K, earlier than him.

In an hour-long assembly, Mr. Bukhari, who break up from the Peoples Democratic Party and floated his own after the abrogation of the special status, has pressed for the early restoration of statehood, youth employment coverage, restoration of 4G Internet and return of Kashmiri Pandits.

“Restoration of statehood is the first and foremost demand of the people of J&K who are eagerly waiting for its fulfilment. Statehood is a reference to the glorious past and a privilege for solidification of the idea of pluralism and respectful coexistence in J&K like any other State,” Mr. Bukhari mentioned.

He described the assembly, his second since March, as ‘cordial’.

Terming migrant Kashmiri Pandits as “an inseparable part of J&K”, Mr. Bukhari demanded “early rehabilitation of Pandits with dignity”.

“The Centre should make special efforts to ensure that the Pandits return to the land of their ancestors with full dignity and an assured livelihood. The policy needs to be framed in such a way that their return does not create any divisions within society. For formulation and implementation of such a policy the other communities in J&K need to be kept on board.”

Mr. Bukhari additionally thanked the Prime Minister for sanctioning a particular package deal for the revival of the economic sector. “The youth in J&K are extremely alienated due to multiple reasons. This alienation makes most of them an easy fodder for those elements who want to foment trouble,” he mentioned.

The Apni Party chief additionally sought PM Modi’s intervention within the restoration of 4G Internet. “The ban is nearing two years. This unjustifiable ban has caused huge inconvenience to the people especially students and traders’ community in J&K.”

The get together, which is the primary regional political one that doesn’t search any particular standing for J&K, additionally demanded age rest for native aspirants showing for the UPSC examination. The authorities lately scrapped the age rest clause to the domicile of J&K.