For Valley, safeguards key

Samaan Lateef in Srinagar

The National Conference and the Congress have strong words to describe the launch of Jammu Kashmir Apni Party, but for a common Kashmiri, the test for Altaf Bukhari would be to ensure that a law is enacted to safeguard against any demographic changes in J&K.

“Unlike other parties, JKAP is a rejected group of politicians sponsored by Delhi to legitimise the BJP’s plan to rewrite the 70-year history of J&K. Delhi wanted these makhotas to own the mess and play their politics here,” says Jammu and Kashmir Congress president GA Mir. He goes a step further, alleging that before taking the August 5 decisions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sought advice from Bukhari and his coterie. “They were on board with the BJP,” he claims.

Echoing similar views, NC spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar terms the emergence of JKAP a handiwork of “those who want to blunt the true representative voices of J&K. Such political outfits are also bound to meet the same fate as other air-dropped outfits”.

However, in the Valley, people are willing to give Bukhari a chance if he delivers what they feel is essential. Says Farooq Ahmad Sofi, a shopkeeper: “I have no problem with JKAP if it gets some assurance in the form of a law that New Delhi will not change the demography of J&K, that our land and jobs will be protected.”

A youth, Iftikhar Ashraf of Sopore, says JKAP comprises leaders who can influence the Centre. “I believe if JKAP sincerely wants to fight for the people, a law to protect demography will be their major contribution for our welfare.”

However, another group of youth believes that JKAP represents Delhi and not Kashmiri aspirations. “The JKAP is misrepresenting restoration of statehood as a demand of Kashmiri people while it is in reality a demand emanating from Jammu,” says Altaf Hussain of north Kashmir’s Baramulla. “People of Kashmir want restoration of Article 370 and its corollary 35A in their original shape and form.”

Another youth, Muhammad Umar of south Kashmir’s Pulwama, feels JKAP is an addition to the “stooges of Delhi”. “Who is JKAP representing? Have they gone to people to seek a mandate to represent them? JKAP is a group of opportunists who want to take advantage of the political vacuum.”