Altaf Bukhari leads impressive roadshow in Downtown Srinagar

Srinagar, May 6: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari today led an impressive roadshow in Downtown Srinagar.

His party described it as the first-ever vibrant political activity by any mainstream political party in the past more than three decades in the downtown.

The roadshow started from the shrine of Dastgeer Sahib (RA) at Khanyar, passed through Naqshband Sahib (RA) shrine in Khwaja Bazar, and culminated at the historic Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta, Srinagar. Bukhari paid obeisance at the Jamia Masjid.

He pledged his party's commitment to restoring the illustrious heritage of Srinagar’s Sher-e-Khas. “Here, in this historic Jamia Masjid, I promise that once Apni party receives a public mandate to serve, we will ensure that Sher-e-Khas regains its status as an ancient city with a centuries-old rich culture and civilization. Our mission is to revive the city's reputation as a sanctuary of master artisans representing diverse traditional crafts. I know this city has been neglected over the past seven decades, leaving its residents grappling with tremendous challenges, such as inadequate housing, financial resources, and job opportunities. But we will ensure that no government in the future overlooks the aspirations and welfare of the Sher-e-Khas,” Bukhari said.

Speaking to the reporters, the Apni Party President said that “this event should not be considered a political activity.” “I have come to pay obeisance at the historic Jamia Masjid. This Masjid will remain here until the day of Qayamat. In this revered place, we pledge to uphold the truth for as long as we live,” he said.

Responding to a question by a media persons, Bukhari said “Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s stature as a religious preacher is higher than any of the political leaders in Jammu Kashmir.”

He said, “Everyone respects Umar Sahib for his stature as a Mirwaiz of Kashmir. “We have emotional affection not only for Mirwaiz Umar Sahib but also for the entire Mirwaiz family. This family has contributed significantly to our society over the decades. Mirwaiz Umar has never supported violence in Kashmir; in fact, he and his family have been victim of violence. I am certain that Mirwaiz supports Apni Party’s politics of truthfulness and integrity.”

During the roadshow, the President of the Apni Party was accompanied by his senior party colleagues, including the party’s provincial president and candidate for the Lok Sabha polls in Srinagar, Mohammad Ashraf Mir, senior leaders and former mayor of Srinagar, Junaid Azim Mattu, and state secretary of party’s Youth Wing and former corporator Tanveer Hussain Pathan, and others.