Apni Party condemns Delhi blast, presses Centre to probe ‘white-collar’ radicalisation
Srinagar, Nov 18: Apni Party on Tuesday expressed deep concern over the Delhi car blast and the reported involvement of well-educated individuals, urging the Centre to investigate the underlying causes of “white-collar radicalisation” and address them through a comprehensive policy response.
The party said the attack was horrific and demanded the strictest punishment for those responsible, but stressed that preventing future radicalisation required understanding why educated youth were being drawn toward extremist activities.
In a statement issued after its working committee meeting chaired by Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, Apni Party said the Delhi blast and the accidental explosion at Nowgam police station had shocked the region. The meeting began with a two-minute silence to honour the victims of both incidents.
The party passed a resolution condemning the Red Fort blast and expressing solidarity with the bereaved families.
"Apni Party strongly condemns the recent blast near the Red Fort in New Delhi. We offer our deepest sympathy to the families who lost their loved ones in this horrific attack," Bukhari said, reading out the resolutions.
“It is worrying that well-educated youth are getting radicalised and joining terror activities,” Bukhari said while speaking to the media.
"This brutal act of terrorism must be condemned in the strongest possible terms by everyone, and those responsible must be punished severely so it becomes a clear example for all," Bukhari said.
The resolution said the party is deeply concerned by the reports suggesting the involvement of some well-educated individuals in the Delhi blast.
Apni Party in a statement said "terrorism must be dealt with decisively, and the guilty must face exemplary punishment. The party also sought compensation for the families of those killed or injured in the Nowgam explosion and demanded that residents whose houses were damaged receive adequate relief. "
It called for a thorough inquiry to determine how the Nowgam accident occurred.
The statement said the growing involvement of well-educated individuals in terror acts was a “deeply worrying trend” that could not be ignored. “Firm action against terrorists is essential, but so is outreach. The government must study and identify the reasons that drive educated youth toward radicalisation,” it said, adding that such radicalisation could only be prevented by a combination of security measures and genuine engagement.
Apni Party reiterated that a trust deficit between New Delhi and the people of Jammu and Kashmir continued to fuel anger and alienation. The leadership urged the Centre to honour the commitments made by the Prime Minister and the Home Minister about meaningful outreach and dialogue. “This gap must be bridged. Mistrust creates space for violence,” the resolution said.
The meeting also reviewed socio-economic challenges facing the region, including rising inflation and unemployment. The party criticised the government for failing to deliver on its promise of providing one lakh jobs in six months. Referring to the Budgam by-election, the Apni Party described the outcome as a “punishment vote” against the ruling party, saying it showed people’s frustration with being ignored and their choices being dismissed.
According to the statement, Jammu and Kashmir is currently at a “crossroads” on political, economic and security fronts. Apni Party accused the NC government of poor governance, saying it had failed to revive key sectors like horticulture, handicrafts and tourism. It warned that economic distress, stagnant wages, rising prices and tightening credit flows were worsening public hardship and feeding into an already fragile security situation, particularly after the Pahalgam killings and the Delhi blast.
The party said it would push for governance reforms rooted in transparency, participatory decision-making and measurable outcomes. It outlined plans to revive natural economic sectors, develop markets for local producers, and restore confidence in tourism. The statement said that while the demand for statehood remained important, the economic empowerment of people was equally essential.
Apni Party also demanded immediate Panchayat and Urban Local Body elections, regularisation of daily wagers, an employment drive for educated youth and reforms in the reservation system to ensure merit and fairness.
Concluding the meeting, the leadership said that Jammu and Kashmir was going through a delicate period and required “able, farsighted and dedicated leadership”. The party pledged to continue working sincerely for the welfare and aspirations of the people.
