Bukhari calls for Centre-J&K dialogue

Srinagar, Aug 28: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Friday said the abrogation of Article 370 had “inflicted a deep wound” on the emotions of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, while calling for renewed dialogue between the Centre and the people of the Union Territory. Addressing a public convention in Tral, Bukhari said both the Congress and BJP were responsible for the erosion of Article 370, alleging that the Congress had “hollowed out” the provision over the years while the BJP revoked it completely in 2019. “Article 370 provided constitutional protection to our land and jobs, and that is why, following its abrogation along with Article 35A on August 5, 2019, the Apni Party pursued the matter with the Centre and ensured that the people of J&K must retain exclusive rights over land and employment in J&K,” he said. Bukhari claimed that the party had succeeded in convincing the Centre to protect these rights, leading to the introduction of the domicile law. He, however, stressed the need for dialogue between New Delhi and the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the youth, saying it was necessary to bridge the “existing trust deficit”. “There is an urgent need to make New Delhi understand the importance of initiating a dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially the youth, to address their genuine issues and concerns,” Bukhari said. He alleged that the elected government had failed to address pressing public issues and said his party would continue urging the Centre to engage directly with the people of J&K. Bukhari also criticised the ruling National Conference, accusing it of prioritising power over the interests of the people and failing to fulfil its election promises. He cited promises of one lakh jobs, 200 units of free electricity, free gas cylinders and regularisation of daily wagers, alleging that these commitments had remained unfulfilled. He also criticised the NC's position on restoration of Article 370 and 35A, saying the party had sought votes by promising restoration of the provisions but was now focusing primarily on statehood. “This is nothing but political drama, and they have always resorted to such tactics,” he said. Bukhari urged people to move away from what he described as traditional political parties that had allegedly relied on “false promises and emotional slogans”.