Srinagar, Sep 21: The Apni Party staged a protest outside the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on the opening day of the autumn session on Monday, raising concerns over the reservation policy, unemployment and other issues affecting the public.
The protest was led by Apni Party Provincial President Mohammad Ashraf Mir, along with party leaders and workers, who raised slogans and accused the government of failing to fulfil its electoral commitments and address pressing public concerns.
A key demand of the protesters was a fair, transparent and judicious reservation policy. Mir criticised the existing policy and called for greater transparency over the recommendations of the Cabinet Sub-Committee constituted to examine the issue.
“The existing reservation policy is unjust and completely contrary to the principles of merit,” Mir said, while demanding that the Cabinet Sub-Committee’s report be made public.
He said Jammu and Kashmir needed a reservation framework that ensured justice, equity and fairness to all sections of society.
Mir also criticised the government over unemployment and what he described as unfulfilled electoral promises.
“The government had promised to provide one lakh jobs to the youth soon after assuming office. It had also promised free electricity and gas cylinders to consumers, besides an additional quota of ration. However, these promises have turned out to be nothing more than hollow assurances,” he said.
Police stopped the protesters during the demonstration and detained several party leaders and workers, including Mir and Apni Party Srinagar District President Zaffar Habib Dar.
Addressing a press conference later, Apni Party Chief Spokesperson MuntazirMohiuddin said the party had chosen to protest outside the Assembly as it had no representation inside the House.
“Apni Party has no representation in the Legislative Assembly, so peaceful protest is one of the few democratic means available to us to raise our voice against government failures and highlight the concerns of the people,” he said.
Mohiuddin condemned the detention of party leaders and workers, including women members, terming it a restriction on their right to express their concerns.
“By detaining our leaders, including women leaders and party workers, the authorities have denied us our legitimate democratic right to voice our concerns. We strongly condemn the detention of our leaders and workers,” he said.
“Such actions cannot silence our voice or deter us from standing up for the rights and interests of the people,” Mohiuddin added.
He said the party would continue to raise issues concerning the public.
“We remain committed to raising our voice for the rights of the people and will continue to highlight public issues and grievances, no matter what pressure or obstacles we face,” he said.
