Statehood our identity, restore it soon: Altaf Bukhari

Srinagar, September 10

Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari on Friday said statehood was the identity of the J&K people that should be restored soon. Bukhari also batted for early Assembly elections in the Union Territory. “We want statehood to be restored soon as it is our identity. However, it is also important that the elections should also take place soon. There should not be sloganeering only that the polls are going to take place. People at the grassroots are facing difficulties and it is our duty to provide them grassroots democracy,” Bukhari told reporters here.

The Apni Party chief lashed out at the Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) – an amalgam of six mainstream parties including the NC and the PDP – seeking the restoration of J&K’s special status that was revoked by the Centre in August 2019.

“We appeal to the people to support us. Our party is based on honesty. We do not change colours like chameleons who presented themselves as the PAGD and said they had nothing to do with elections, but are now shouting from tree tops that they would contest the elections, get a majority and form the government,” he said.

Bukhari said his party believed that Articles 370 and 35-A were people’s basic rights. He expressed hope that the Supreme Court, which is hearing the petitions against the Central Government’s decision, would restore it. — PTI