Altaf Bukhari advocates united J&K, slams demand for separate Jammu state

Srinagar, Feb 17: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari has advocated a united Jammu and Kashmir while denouncing forces seeking separate statehood for Jammu.

According to a press release, a joining programme was organised by Provincial President of the Women Wing Pavneet Kour and District President Minority Wing, Jammu Rural (RS Pura), Inderpal Singh at the Apni Party office in Gandhi Nagar, Jammu. During the function, retired Inspector of J&K Police Paramjeet Singh, Harjeet Singh, Sham Choudhary, Lalit Kumar, among many others, joined the party in the presence of Bukhari.

Bukhari welcomed them into the party fold and expressed hope that their joining would strengthen the party. He expressed gratitude for the overwhelming response to the Apni Party in the Jammu region, which has recently witnessed certain voices seeking a separate Jammu state.

Expressing his displeasure over attempts to create division in Jammu and Kashmir, he said the demand has been raised by certain elements who want to draw communal lines and create division among the regions of Jammu and Kashmir. He criticised the BJP and the National Conference for their divisive agenda, which, he said, has led to political misguidance of the people and a loss of faith in the government.

“The people are not going to accept the divisive agenda or support separate statehood for Jammu. Similarly, NC has also been exposed for its non-performance. Therefore, both the NC and the BJP are trying to divert the attention of the people towards a divisive agenda,” he added. He said the people should hold the ruling National Conference and the BJP accountable for failing to provide development and employment. Party Senior Vice President Ghulam Hassan Mir and leaders of all the wings were present in the joining program.