Apni Party holds workers’ convention in Budgam

PM must take the lead in bridging the trust deficit between J&K and the Centre: Ghulam Hassan Mir

JK News Today

Srinagar, July 17: Continuing its district-wise outreach to connect with grassroots workers and the masses, Apni Party today held a workers’ convention in central Kashmir’s Budgam.

The event attracted a large number of party leaders and workers from across the district.

Addressing the occasion, party’s Senior Vice President, Ghulam Hassan Mir, appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to “initiate a dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir in order to understand their grievances and address the issues and problems they are facing.”

He added, “People here are ready and willing to move forward on the path of peace and harmony, and they need to be responded to positively. The trust deficit between Jammu and Kashmir and the Centre needs to be addressed, and the Prime Minister himself must take the initiative in this regard.”

Taking a dig at the ruling party, Mir blamed it for deceiving people through fake promises during the elections.

He said, “They (the ruling party) boasted that after winning the elections, they would get Article 370 and statehood restored. This promise was a blatant lie, simply because even after winning the elections, it is not within the party’s authority to restore these things. That is why I am saying they deceived people with fake promises.”

He further said, “The alliance called PAGD was also a deception. At the time, the parties affiliated with it claimed that PAGD would fight for the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A. What happened to this alliance? It was created solely to mislead people and secure their votes.”

He expressed his concern that “poor and marginalised people, who used to receive monthly assistance from the Social Welfare Department, are now running from pillar to post for the same — despite the fact that we now have an elected government in place.”

Ghulam Hassan Mir further said, “Government employees whose General Provident Fund (GPF) withdrawals have been sanctioned are unable to receive their payments. Similarly, retired government employees are not able to get their gratuity released under this government. GPF and gratuity are the hard earned money of these employees, and they should be able to receive it without and delay. If this government doesn’t address these small matters what else can be expected from it?”

Addressing the occasion, party’s Vice President Javaid Mustafa Mir expressed his grave concern over the lack of accountability in system under the present government.

He said, “When people complain about something or make demands, they are told that the elected government does not have the necessary powers. On the other hand, the Lieutenant Governor has clarified that he holds only those powers he is entitled to under the law, and the rest lie with the elected government. As a result, people are confused about whom to approach and where to go to get their issues resolved. It is clear that there is a lack of accountability in the system under this government.”

Mir accused the elected government of failing to fulfil the promises it had made to the people.

He said, “You had promised one lakh jobs within six months of taking power. Where are these jobs? Similarly, you claimed that after coming to power, you would provide a specific amount of electricity and gas to the people. What happened to these and other promises you made to win their votes?”

Addressing the convention, party’s General Secretary Rafi Ahmad Mir, urged workers to get organised and active in order to make the party strenghtn further.

He said, “In these challenging times, we must shoulder our responsibilities and stand with the people. They are grappling with a range of issues and are deeply concerned about the future of their children, given the growing unemployment in the region. There is a widespread apprehension that unemployment and other challenges may push the youth toward drug abuse. In such difficult circumstances, we must remain active and supportive, as the government is failing on every front in addressing public issues and grievances.”

Rafi Ahmad Mir said that “Apni Party is emerging as an alternative political force committed to supporting the people and their demands.”

He added that the party will leave no stone unturned in raising public issues and demanding their prompt redressal.

Speaking on the occasion, the party’s Provincial President, Mohammad Ashraf Mir, blamed the government for failing to provide good governance to the people.

He said, “This government has completely failed to deliver effective governance to the very people who gave it the mandate. I am surprised that even opposition parties like the BJP and PDP are failing to fulfil their responsibility to highlight public issues and ensure they are addressed by the government.”

The party’s Chief Spokesperson and state secretary, Muntazir Mohiuddin, while addressing the gathering, urged people not to fall prey once again to the fake promises and emotional sloganeering of traditional political parties when they come seeking votes in the upcoming elections.

He said, “When these parties promise through their election manifestos that they will get Article 370 restored, they are simply lying to you. They are deceiving you. As elections approach, they will once again come to you seeking your votes, making grand promises of the moon and stars. It is your responsibility not to fall prey to their deceptive slogans and fake promises again.”

President of the Youth Wing, Yawar Mir, while addressing the gathering, urged the people of Budgam to encourage their youth to come forward and become their representatives.

He said, “You do not have an MLA at present. You had voted to elect an MP, but he is currently in jail. It is understandable that you feel there is no one to approach to get your problems resolved. I am telling you — encourage your own youth to step forward and get elected to represent your areas and your people. Your youth can serve you better. Tomorrow’s leaders will come from among your own children.”

The prominent party leaders including Provincial Vice President Aga Syed Ahmad Al Mosvi, District President Budgam Advocate Owais Ashraf Shah, and others were also present on this occasion.