Srinagar, May 2: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Friday urged the central government to introduce reciprocal Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs) to reinforce the prevailing peace and normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a workers’ convention at Gulzarpora in Rawalpora, Srinagar, Bukhari said that the people of the region have played a crucial role in maintaining peace and now it is the responsibility of the Government of India to reciprocate with measures that support this stability.
He called for the release of detainees, stating that all individuals, except those involved in heinous crimes, should be freed. He also demanded an end to arbitrary arrests and indiscriminate filing of FIRs.
Taking a swipe at traditional political parties, Bukhari accused them of repeatedly misleading the public with false promises and emotional slogans. He questioned voters for continuing to support such parties despite their track record.
Referring to election promises, he criticised the ruling dispensation for failing to deliver on commitments such as job creation, regularisation of daily wagers, free electricity, enhanced ration quotas, and provision of free LPG cylinders.
On the issue of language, Bukhari raised concerns over reports suggesting the removal of mandatory Urdu requirements for Naib Tehsildar and Patwari posts. He urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to clarify whether the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board has altered Urdu’s status in official usage and examinations. He asserted that while inclusion of Hindi as an optional language is acceptable, removal of Urdu would not be tolerated.
Highlighting the importance of Urdu, he said it remains one of the official languages widely used across communities and any attempt to undermine it would face opposition.
Bukhari also called for simplification of police verification procedures for job seekers and passport applicants, urging authorities to ensure that youth can obtain passports without unnecessary delays to explore employment opportunities abroad.
Reiterating his opposition to the existing reservation system, he termed it unjust and questioned the imbalance in job distribution. He particularly highlighted the challenges faced by Srinagar residents, many of whom fall under economically weaker sections but are not recognised as such.
He urged people to stand up for the rights of future generations and ensure that their constitutional rights are not compromised.
Raising concerns over alleged recruitment irregularities, Bukhari referred to past scandals involving the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board and claimed that officials accused in such cases were being rewarded instead of punished, reflecting what he described as a troubling state of governance in Jammu and Kashmir.
Several party leaders were also present at the convention.
