Altaf Bukhari pitches for adopting European model of peace

Srinagar, Dec 3: Apni Party President Altaf Bukhari Sunday pitched for adopting the European model of peace.

A statement of the Apni Party issued here said that addressing a rally in Nambla village of Uri in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, Bukhari said, “We have seen that European nations used to fight and kill each other during the Second World War. However, when they abandoned hostilities and embraced the pursuit of peace and prosperity, a remarkable transformation followed. Presently, European countries stand in such harmony that individuals can effortlessly visit multiple nations on a single visa. I hope that, sooner or later, such a drastic change occurs between the two countries here and people, especially the border dwellers, heave a sigh of relief.”

He also urged people not to fall prey to the deceit of traditional political parties any further.

Bukhari emphasised unity and said that conventional politicians always divide people based on caste and creed for their political gains.

“The traditional politicians have been deceiving people to attain and retain power. Even in 1947, they started by dividing people based on caste for their political advantages,” he said. “Enough is enough. It's time to stop falling prey to deceptive politics any longer and to maintain unity for your greater interests.”

Recalling the deaths and destruction that the people of Uri have faced over the years due to the confrontation between the armies on both sides, Bukhari said, “People who live on the borders have suffered greatly over the years simply because they were easy targets of firing and shelling from both sides. I hope this situation will change, as history stands witness to the fact that when enemies decide to end the enmity, peace and prosperity begin.”

Expressing his concern over the infrastructural deficit and the lack of opportunities in Uri, he said, “It's disheartening to witness the people of Uri struggling even for their basic needs. I wonder what traditional parties, who were at the helm over the years and decades, have done for the people of this far-flung area. Despite Uri being a producer of electricity, the residents are deprived of it for their use. The educational institutions and healthcare facilities suffer from a lack of essential infrastructure and personnel, depriving the people of quality education and healthcare.”

Bukhari promised that when the Apni Party gets the mandate to form the government in J&K, it would ensure the revival of the Mohra Power Project.

“I promise you that the Apni Party’s government will ensure the Mohra powerhouse is rebuilt, and the power generated from this project will be exclusively allocated to the residents of this area. Also, we will ensure that local youth receive preferential consideration for employment opportunities arising from the infrastructure development in this region,” he said. “I assure you that I will never disappoint you. Apni Party will get the people of Uri out from miseries and deprivation by using the natural resources of this area.”

Apni Party vice president, Zaffar Iqbal Manhas and senior leader and former mayor of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) Junaid Azim Mattu also addressed the gathering.