Let our youth live with peace and dignity: Altaf Bukhari

Srinagar, Nov 14: Apni Party President Altaf Bukhari Wednesday urged the government not to subject the youth to unnecessary suffering based on the past affiliations of some of their relatives with terrorism.
A statement of the Apni Party issued here quoted Bukhari while addressing the party’s public rally at Damhal Hanji Pora, in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district as saying, “I urge the government and its administration to permit our youth to live with peace and dignity, enabling them to flourish in their careers. The mandatory verification processes for their employment and passport applications should not be impeded solely based on the past affiliations of their relatives.”

He urged the government to stop subjecting people to hardships in the name of their affiliations. “In certain instances, individuals are facing hardships solely due to their affiliation with Jamaat-e-Islami. I wonder why such actions are being taken,” the Apni Party President said.

He said Jamaat-e-Islami should be granted the freedom to carry out its religious obligations without any impediment, and its educational institutions should be permitted to operate without hindrance.
Bukhari pledged to the people that once the Apni Party gets the public mandate to serve the people, it would diligently work towards reinstating social justice and upholding the rights of the residents of J&K.

“Unlike the traditional politicians, I am not here to offer empty promises or set unattainable goals. I will only commit to what I know and sincerely believe can be fulfilled. Today, I assure you that the Apni Party is dedicated to securing a prosperous future for the people of this region. Our focus will be on diligently restoring social justice and safeguarding the rights of Jammu and Kashmir residents, irrespective of their geographical identities as well as their political or religious affiliations,” he said. “We know how to generate employment opportunities and secure economic dividends for the people throughout J&K. I assure you that the Apni Party will never disappoint the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”

Reiterating his idea about the relation of J&K with the rest of the country, the Apni Party President said, “I say this time and again that J&K is inherently meant to be an integral part of India. The resolutions to all our challenges will emanate from New Delhi and nowhere else. I do not mince words when conveying this truth because I believe in the politics of honesty. I cannot engage in falsehood or mislead my people.”

He urged people to cast their votes wisely in the upcoming elections.

“This is your responsibility to reject the traditional political parties, who have been exploiting and misleading you over the years and decades. You must use your vote wisely and elect candidates who are genuinely committed to working for your well-being,” Bukhari said.
Voicing his profound concern over the prevailing drug menace in the Valley, he urged people to play their individual and collective roles to eradicate this evil from society to protect the young generation.

“I feel deeply saddened to see that many of our youngsters are falling prey to the drug menace. This is an intolerable situation, considering that the future of our young generation is at stake. It is both an individual and collective responsibility for each of us to actively contribute towards eliminating this menace from our society. We cannot afford to be mere spectators while drug addiction is claiming the lives of our youth,” the Apni Party President said. “Drugs pose a greater danger than guns. While a gun may only harm the individual who wields it, drugs not only claim the life of the individual involved but also have a profound impact on his or her family and the entire fabric of society as well.”

Apni Party’s senior leaders Ghulam Hassan Mir, Zaffar Iqbal Manhas, Rafi Ahmad Mir, and Abdul Majeed Padder also addressed the rally.