Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Monday urged the government to declare July 13 as a gazetted holiday to honour the martyrs of 1931 and called for state-level observance of Martyrs’ Day as was the practice earlier.
Speaking at a well-attended workers’ convention in south Kashmir’s Pulwama, Bukhari criticized the present administration, alleging it had failed to deliver even one percent of its promises despite completing eight months in office.
Addressing reporters after the convention, Bukhari accused the ruling party of deceiving people through “false promises and hollow slogans” during the election campaign. He pointed out that assurances like 200 units of free electricity for all households had been watered down to cover only Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) beneficiaries, “who constitute less than one percent of the population” , and that even this benefit was yet to be implemented.
“The government promised an enhanced ration quota, one lakh jobs within three months, and the return of Articles 370 and 35A. None of these have materialised. Nor do I see any real effort to press the Centre for restoration of statehood,” Bukhari said.
On speculation about the Union Territory elections becoming invalid after statehood is restored, Bukhari remarked, “This government is at risk not because of any legal technicality but due to its poor performance. Otherwise, it holds a full five-year mandate.”
Reiterating his demand for the release of detainees, Bukhari said that those involved in stone-pelting were “misguided by certain political parties” and should be released, except those booked for heinous crimes. [KNT]
