26-11-2023 : Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) President, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, expressed the deep disappointment of the people of Jammu with the current government, particularly the leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Addressing a daylong convention in the Ratnuchak area of the district, Bukhari criticized the government, stating that it has brought only miseries for the people of the Jammu region.
Bukhari emphasized that Jammu is profoundly disappointed with the present government and the BJP leadership, citing their failure to fulfill the promises made before the abrogation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. He pointed out that the BJP had identified Article 370 and Article 35A as impediments to the region’s development and had promised industrial growth with investments from key stakeholders. However, according to Bukhari, these promises have not materialized on the ground, and instead, resources have been seized by individuals from outside the Union Territory.
The JKAP President launched a scathing attack on the government, accusing it of supporting the liquor and contractor’s mafia in the region. He alleged that government officials from outside the Union Territory have colluded with these mafias, leading to the exploitation of the region’s resources and causing unemployment among the local population.
Ghulam Hassan Mir, the party’s Senior Vice-President, joined Bukhari in calling for early elections in the Union Territory. Mir also criticized the mining mafia and government officials for imposing high tariffs for electricity, further adding to the difficulties faced by the people.
Choudhary Zulfkar Ali, Vice-President of the Party, highlighted a significant gap between the administration and the public on the ground. He claimed that the Union Territory is now entirely run by bureaucrats who pay little attention to the concerns of the people.
Manjit Singh, Apni Party Provincial President, addressed the challenges faced by the people in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, and Udhampur Districts, especially in the industrial sector. Singh raised concerns about the employment of outsiders in both skilled and unskilled jobs, violating established norms.
During the convention, Vishal Naraiana, a prominent businessman in the region, joined the party, receiving a warm welcome from Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari. The event saw the participation of various party members, including Faqir Nath, Prem Lal, Mohammad Shafi Sheikh, Arun Kumar Chibber, Raman Thappa, and Nirmal Kotwal.