Altaf Bukhari Seeks Renewed Centre-Public Engagement in J&K; Calls for Review of Domicile, Reservation Norms – Alfaaz – The Words

Aadil Akbar

Srinagar: Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Tuesday urged the Union government to initiate a structured dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir and to follow it with the restoration of statehood, saying that public engagement was essential for long-term stability in the Union Territory.

Addressing a party outreach meeting in Kralagund, Langate, Mr. Bukhari said, as per Alfaaz – The Words, the Centre should prioritise communication with the youth and civil society in J&K. He added that sustained dialogue would help restore confidence and address concerns emerging from recent administrative and security-related decisions.

Mr. Bukhari also sought a revision of the existing domicile residency requirement, advocating an increase from 15 to 35 years. He said such a move would strengthen local safeguards introduced after the 2019 constitutional changes. The Apni Party, he claimed, had earlier secured key protections related to land rights and government employment by pressing for the current 15-year domicile condition.

He further asked the elected J&K administration to revisit the reservation policy to ensure what he described as a “more balanced and equitable framework,” particularly in light of rising unemployment and the growing vulnerability of youth to drug addiction.

Raising concerns about the arrest of youth and delays in police verification needed for jobs and passports, Mr. Bukhari said these were among the most persistent grievances brought to the party by the public. He also expressed worry over incidents of harassment of Kashmiri residents outside the UT in recent weeks.

He added that the Apni Party’s election manifesto continued to remain relevant, as it focused on practical issues such as job security, policing-related procedures, and equitable access to public services.

On developmental matters, Mr. Bukhari said the proposed Government Medical College for Handwara must be established at its sanctioned site in Gund Chogal, where ₹45 crore have already been spent. Any attempt to shift the location, he warned, would be opposed by the party.

Residents present at the meeting raised concerns regarding water scarcity, inadequate infrastructure, shortage of lady doctors in health centres, and the pending allotment of land for a Degree College earlier sanctioned for the area. Mr. Bukhari assured them that he would take up these matters with the administration.

Several senior Apni Party leaders, including PAC chairman Mohammad Dilawar Mir, district president Kupwara Raja Manzoor, youth wing president Yawar Mir, Shabir Ahmad Shah, Dr. Noor Din Shah, Abdul Rashid Bhat, Abdul Rahim Wani, Bilal Arif, Munawar Khaja, Mohammad Amin Bhat, Manzoor Ahmad Ganaie and others, were also present at the gathering.