To work for statehood, Bukhari to launch ‘Apni Party’ on Feb 24

Jammu, February 13

Former Finance Minister Altaf Bukhari will announce the setting up of a new party from Srinagar on February 24 to introduce and make realpolitik acceptable in the Valley which has so far been driven by ideological politics.

The party, as confirmed by Bukhari, will be christened ‘Apni Party’ (Our own party), giving a sense of belonging to Kashmiris who are living in a state of wilderness since August 5 last year when many politicians were detained and Article 370 abrogated.

The new party will work for the restoration of the statehood as promised by PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.

“We’ll press for the restoration of statehood for J&K because this is what the Centre had promised,” said Ghulam Hassan Mir, a former minister, and a key figure in the new political entity which will appear on the political horizon of Kashmir by the month-end.

The assertion meant that the new group will pursue realistic goals which appeal to the people of Kashmir, who are angered by the division of the state into two UTs.

The party’s constitution is being drafted and its contours will be made public on its inauguration. — TNS