President of Jammu and Kashmir Apni party Syed Muhammad Altaf Bukhari said that people’s participation in the District Development Council (DDC) elections had changed the “story of Kashmir”. The people here have made it clear that elections and the political issue of Kashmir are two different things.
Bukhari while speaking to journalists in Srinagar said that his rally was also attended by transporters, traders, hoteliers, houseboat owners and other sections of society. We wanted to show that we are with different stakeholders of Kashmir. Various political parties in Jammu and Kashmir had created the impression that the Kashmir issue would be changed by casting their votes, but this was wrong. The participation of the people of the Valley in the District Development Council elections has proved that now common people have realized that the election and the political issue of Kashmir are two different things.
Asked if he blames the BJP for the Kashmir mess. On this, Bukhari said that he is not only BJP but political parties like NC, Congress, PDP etc. are equally responsible for political disturbances in Kashmir. Bukhari said that his party is 9 months old as it was formed in March last year. We are like a 9 month old baby. As the child grows, his party is also emerging. We do not claim that we will win most seats in the DDC elections, but we will definitely prove our mark and presence.
Asked if PAGD is a challenge for him, he said that he has not yet met the leaders of the coalition. The leaders of the party involved in PAGD met each other and formed an alliance. He should see others as a challenge. There is no challenge for us.
On the Delimitation Commission, Bukhari said that its exercise is going on and his party is also participating in it. We will ensure that there is no injustice to any region or any district. If any discrimination is found, I will be the first person to raise a voice against it. When some reporters asked him why other political parties were not being allowed to hold rallies in the District Development Council elections, Bukhari said that this is not correct. As many rallies as he did in Kupwara, so did the NC candidate. I don’t think anyone is prevented from rallying anywhere
