70 per cent population must get 70 per cent jobs: Altaf Bukhari on Reservation Policy

Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party President, Altaf Bukhari on Friday said reservation and job allocation in Jammu and Kashmir must be strictly aligned with population, asserting that the present system is “unjust” and deprives the majority of their rightful share, while launching a sweeping attack on parties like the National Conference (NC) and PDP over their “decades of unfulfilled promises.”

Addressing a mediamen in Srinagar, Bukhari made the reservation issue the central theme of his remarks, stating that the principle of proportional representation must be followed in employment. “It should be as per the population. Seventy percent population cannot get 30 percent jobs. Seventy percent population must get 70 percent jobs. What is this?” he said.

He questioned the logic behind the existing reservation structure and warned that such an imbalance would create further resentment.

“The people who live here should have jobs. We are very clear that it should be based on population or division-wise,” he added, asserting that locals must not lose out within their own system.

Bukhari further argued that opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir must remain with its residents and not be diluted. “Why should jobs meant for the people of J&K be taken away from them?” he asked, emphasising that fairness in distribution is essential for stability and trust.

Highlighting his party’s political journey, Bukhari said that when Apni Party was formed in 2019, it had three core agendas—restoration of statehood, protection of land, and safeguarding jobs. He claimed that his party worked towards securing protections for land and employment and raised issues such as verification of youth, amnesty, and passport clearances.

He said that despite these efforts, his party could not effectively communicate its work to the public, while rivals shaped a negative narrative against it. “We could not explain to people what we did and what we can do during Assembly elections,” he admitted, adding that Apni Party leaders were branded unfairly during elections.

Launching a sharp attack on traditional political parties, Bukhari said the people of Jammu and Kashmir have repeatedly given mandates to the same parties over the past 75 years without seeing meaningful results. “People gave them a massive mandate, but none of the promises have been fulfilled,” he said.

He questioned their credibility on core political issues, including Article 370, Article 35A, and restoration of statehood. “Where is Article 370? Where is Article 35A? Where is the statehood?” he asked, demanding accountability from those who had made commitments on these fronts.

Bukhari also criticised post-2019 political developments, including alliances, alleging that they misled the people and failed to achieve tangible outcomes. He hinted at “hidden deals” behind political arrangements and said the truth should be brought before the public.

He further accused rival parties of remaining disconnected from the ground and not engaging with people during difficult times, contrasting it with his party’s outreach since 2019. He said when Apni Party began engaging with people at that time, others were unwilling to step out.

Referring to governance and political engagement, Bukhari questioned the sudden outreach of leaders towards authorities, saying people are aware of changing political positions and must demand answers.

On the humanitarian front, Bukhari strongly called for the release of detainees, saying prolonged detentions have caused suffering across families. “All those who are in jail—our youth, women, elders—should be released. A prisoner is a prisoner, whether man or woman,” he said.

He reiterated the need for a one-time amnesty, stating that it was part of his party’s manifesto and essential for reconciliation and healing in Jammu and Kashmir. He also spoke about issues faced by youth, including verification and passport-related concerns, and said these require urgent attention.

Bukhari also appealed for parole to jailed MP Engineer Rashid on humanitarian grounds, urging authorities to allow him to visit his ailing father. “He should at least be released on parole so that he can spend time with his father during this difficult period,” he said.

Addressing the youth directly, Bukhari cautioned against emotional decision-making and urged them to think pragmatically about their future. “Do not get emotional. Think about how to live with dignity and respect,” he said, adding that peace and stability should be the priority.

He also referred to the broader political reality, saying that Jammu and Kashmir’s future lies in ensuring dignity and rights within the existing democratic framework, and urged people to choose leadership that can deliver practical results rather than rhetoric.