Srinagar, September 5 (KNS): Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari on Saturday questioned the assurances being made on Jammu and Kashmir, saying people could not be expected to accept promises without action, and called for an early end to the region’s statehood uncertainty, release of youth and resolution of its financial crisis.
Speaking to reporters, Bukhari said he hoped the issue of statehood would be resolved soon and that young people would be released.
“I pray that our youth get released soon and that the financial crisis here also gets resolved,” he said.
His remarks came alongside a broader challenge to those who, he said, were taking shelter behind the argument that they did not have the power to act.
“Those who are hiding behind the fact that we are not able to do anything, we will find out whether they will take the decision or not,” Bukhari said.
He questioned the credibility of assurances on employment and electricity, referring specifically to a decision for two lakh jobs and a promise of free electricity.
“We won’t accept it. Why? Have we been deceived? We know the way. We know what the strategy is,” he said.
Bukhari also framed the political debate around the Constitution, saying political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir should speak in constitutional terms rather than simply adopt the language of the Centre.
“Here, everyone has to speak the language that is in the Constitution,” he said.
“If the person who speaks in the Constitution is being told to speak the language of the Central government, then tell him to speak the language of 1977.”
Bukhari’s remarks bring together three issues that have remained central to political discourse in Jammu and Kashmir—statehood, employment and the restoration of what political parties describe as the region’s constitutional and political rights.(KNS)
