J&K people 'desperately' waiting for Assembly elections: Altaf Bukhari

Bandipora, Aug o8: Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party President Altaf Bukhari said people are "desperately waiting" for assembly elections to happen amid the Election Commission's visit on Thursday.

Bukhari made these assertions during a visit to the Nanga Baji shrine at Malangam village in north Kashmir's Bandipora district, where he prayed for "peace in Kashmir" and protection of crops from prevailing climatic conditions, as well as goodwill for his own party.

When asked about his expectations from the ECI's visit, Bukhari said, "We hope election dates are announced. We have been desperately waiting... People are desperately waiting for elections to happen."

On being questioned about senior party members, including Vice President Usman Majid, leaving the party, Bukhari said, "These things keep happening. People come and go. The aim of politics is to serve people."

Bukhari said it is out of one's will if anyone thinks they can serve better in another party, noting that "the ultimate aim is to serve people, and I wish them all the best."

Bukhari said he has no grudges against anyone who has left, saying that "political inclination can be different, but companions stay as companions."

He hoped that during the upcoming elections, his party will "perform well."