J&K Apni Party demands restoration of statehood

Only practical step to bring good governance, peace to region: Altaf Bukhar

Srinagar, (PTK): J&K Apni Party (JKAP) president Altaf Bukhari on Thursday called for restoration of statehood “to overcome the simmering political disengagement prevalent among the people”.

In a press conference Mr. Bukhari said that the restoration was “the only practical step to bring good governance, economic development and peace and stability to the region”.

“The situation in J&K has reached a stage where the people have virtually lost trust in the institution of governance and political process. Lack of responsiveness in the government offices has added to the existing levels of alienation and discontentment,” Mr. Bukhari said.

The party leader demanded restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, saying an early announcement in this regard would further solidify the idea of pluralism and respectful coexistence in the region.

It is more than essential that restoration of statehood to J-K is considered as an immediate requirement for keeping up the spirit of coexistence and allowing a pluralistic blend to continue to shine in this part of the country. We take this opportunity to remind the government of India about its promise on restoration of statehood including establishment of a Legislative Council and in providing thereto reservation of seats for socially and economically backward classes, art culture, languages, literature and sports.

While our party has been vehemently demanding domicile rights on land and jobs for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the recent domicile order issued by the union government vis- -vis the rights of residents of J-K on jobs reflects a casual approach, he said

Being a government-issued order and not a law made by Parliament, the new gazette notification regarding domicile rule for J-K residents is not immune to any judicial review, he said.

Our demand is that those residents of J-K who have already a valid Permanent Resident Certificate should not be asked for domicile certificates both for possession of land and immovable property or for applying to any government jobs, he said.

The party leader also demanded security for political activists, the release of detainees, withdrawal of cases against the youth, ensuring J-K Bank’s autonomy, support for industry and the manufacturing sector, revival of tourism and restoration of high-speed G internet in the UT.