Bukhari Urges Release of Religious Leaders and Early Assembly Polls in Meeting with Amit Shah
27-06-2023 : Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, President of the Apni Party, met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi to discuss crucial matters related to the economic, administrative, and political aspects of Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting aimed to address a wide range of issues, including the promotion of peace, development, governance improvement, and the political dynamics in the region, according to a party statement.
During the meeting, Bukhari provided a comprehensive update to Minister Shah regarding the current state of peace and harmony in Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted the role played by the people of J&K in fostering and maintaining peace, demonstrating their commitment to a peaceful environment. Bukhari conveyed the people’s eagerness to contribute further to strengthen the ongoing peace process and to reap the benefits associated with a heightened state of peace.
However, Bukhari also urgently appealed to the Union Home Minister, emphasizing the need for immediate Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs) to bolster the prevailing public sentiment. Specifically, he recommended two significant actions: the release of prominent religious leaders ahead of the upcoming Eid celebration and the timely announcement of assembly polls in the Union Territory.
Bukhari expressed that the release of influential religious figures such as Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Moulana Abdul Rasheed Dawoodi, and Moulana Mushtaq Ahmad Veeri would infuse the environment with a spirit of positivity. These religious leaders possess the ability to play a crucial role in addressing social issues, including the prevailing drug abuse problem in the Valley. Furthermore, the announcement of assembly polls in the region would instill a sense of political empowerment among the people, fostering a positive atmosphere and signifying the government’s commitment to empowering the people and upholding democratic processes in Jammu and Kashmir.
Given the prolonged period of peace and harmony in Jammu and Kashmir, Bukhari emphasized that it is an opportune moment to take proactive measures to strengthen democracy and further enhance peace in the region. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that people are not deprived of their constitutional right to choose their own representatives any longer.
Bukhari also welcomed the upcoming Amarnath Yatra and informed the Home Minister about the enthusiasm of the people of J&K to greet the pilgrims. He highlighted that the Yatra has historically played a pivotal role in fostering religious harmony, strengthening cultural bonds, and yielding significant economic benefits for the region. Bukhari stressed the importance of providing ample opportunities for the people to extend their warm hospitality to the yatris and called for the government to have unwavering trust in the people.
