\n
![](\"https:\/\/img-cdn.publive.online\/fit-in\/1280x960\/greater-kashmir\/media\/media_files\/2026\/09\/06\/workers-convention-2026-09-06-06-42-42.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n
\n<\/p>\n
Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Saturday demanded an amnesty on accumulated household power bills, reopening of closed tourist destinations and an immediate increase in internship stipends for MBBS and BDS students.<\/span><\/p>\n Addressing a party workers’ convention at Watakuloo in Charar-e-Sharief, Bukhari also criticised the National Conference government, alleging that it had failed to address key public issues despite securing a strong mandate in the 2024 Assembly elections.<\/span><\/p>\n On the issue of detainees, Bukhari said the government should raise the matter with the appropriate authorities and work for the release of those who have remained in jails for years.<\/span><\/p>\n “Take, for instance, the issue of detainees. Years and even decades have passed, yet many of our youth continue to remain in jails. This government, despite having received a clear public mandate, has not even raised their plight or made their release a matter of serious public concern,” he said.<\/span><\/p>\n Bukhari said the government should announce an amnesty for accumulated household power bills and immediately revise the stipends paid to MBBS and BDS interns.<\/span><\/p>\n He also expressed concern over unemployment and urged the government to focus on creating sustainable livelihood and employment opportunities for youth.<\/span><\/p>\n Urging young people to stay away from drugs and violence, he said the two had caused immense damage to society and appealed to the younger generation to reject the culture of drugs and guns.<\/span><\/p>\n On tourism, Bukhari called for the reopening of destinations that remain closed, saying thousands of families depend on tourism-related activities for their livelihoods.<\/span><\/p>\n “As far as security measures and initiatives are concerned, there should be no compromise. At the same time, the government must also consider that these places provide livelihoods to many households. Therefore, they should be thrown open to tourists now,” he said.<\/span><\/p>\n Bukhari also demanded restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, appealing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to fulfil their commitment in this regard.<\/span><\/p>\n “The loss of statehood along with our special constitutional status on August 5, 2019, was a profound loss for the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.<\/span><\/p>\n “I earnestly appeal to both the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Hon’ble Home Minister to fulfil their commitment and restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir without any further delay. This is not merely a political demand; it is a matter of dignity, trust and justice for the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.<\/span><\/p>\n Bukhari said the government must work collectively to address the issues confronting people, acknowledging that certain powers rest with the Lieutenant Governor but asserting that the Chief Minister has substantial executive authority.<\/span><\/p>\n He alleged that the NC had made hollow promises during the elections and had failed to meet public expectations after assuming office.<\/span><\/p>\n On local issues, Bukhari said residents had apprised him of inadequate infrastructure at the local hospital and other developmental concerns. He assured them that the issues would be taken up with the authorities concerned.<\/span><\/p>\n Apni Party vice president Javaid Mustafa Mir said the developmental deficit in Watakuloo, Charar-e-Sharief and adjoining areas reflected the failure of successive governments to adequately address the needs of the people.<\/span><\/p>\n Chief spokesperson Muntazir Mohiuddin said the party’s policies were based on “truthfulness and integrity” and urged people to support its political agenda.<\/span><\/p>\n Several political and social activists also joined the Apni Party during the convention, including PDP Halqa President Farooq Khan, Mohammad Rafi, Raja Rafi, Ghulam Hassan Ahanger, Bashir Ahmad, Abdul Khaliq Dar, Mohammad Shafi, Mohammad Ashraf, Tawfeeq Ahmad, Zahoor Ahmad, Haji Rashid, Zubair Ahmad, Abdul Rehman Naja, Abdul Qayoom Naja, Javid Ahmad Najar, Riyaz Ahmad Najar, Junaid Dar, Adil Ashraf and others.<\/span><\/p>\n Senior Vice President Ghulam Hassan Mir, Vice President Javaid Mustafa Mir, Chief Spokesperson and State Secretary Muntazir Mohiuddin, District President Budgam Advocate Owais Ashraf Shah, Block President Nagam Abdul Majeed, youth leader Raja Rafiq and other party leaders and workers were present on the occasion.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n