Says there is limit to every punishment, 4G must be restored
Jammu, July 24: Asserting that delimitation process in Jammu and Kashmir should not be delayed due to COVID, Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party on Friday demanded that the exercise should be completed by year end and if not, assembly elections must be conducted on 83 seats while seven others can be nominated.
“We appeal to the Prime Minister to complete delimitation process immediately in Jammu and Kashmir and if it is not possible at the moment due to COVID, go for Assembly polls,” Syed Altaf Bukhari, President J&K Apni Party here told reporters at a press conference.
He was flanked by senior leadership of the party.
Bukhari further said the seven seats which are to be increased after delimitation, can be nominated as of now if the process gets delayed, but elections should be held to restore the democracy.
“Notification for election should be issued at the earliest and the process must be set into motion because we can’t wait in case Corona takes years to settle,” he said adding that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir is conducive to hold polls.
He asked for transparency in delimitation process alleging that ‘Apni Party’ is aware that some officers of the Election Commission are visiting to the office of a particular political party and giving the feedbacks.
He, however, termed the prevailing situation in J&K Administration as “insensitive” and “unresponsive”.
“In absence of popular government, the concerns of people are not being addressed. Bureaucrats are not listening to the common man and not even responsive to the public representatives,” he added and demanded immediate elections to restore democracy so that concerns of the people can be addressed.
Bukhari also demanded restoration of the statehood status to the Jammu and Kashmir asserting, “We want statehood should be restored immediately in a democratic manner and we will become voice of people of Jammu and Kashmir.”
He, however, also expressed serious concern over worst condition of quarantine centres as covid is witnessing spike in cases.
He further demanded economic package for poor people, shopkeepers and small businessmen as people are dependent upon tourism sector, which has been badly affected due to COVID.
Bukhari appealed to the Government to waive off payment of electricity bills of shopkeepers and hoteliers.
On suspended 4G internet service, Apni Party leader said, “How would our children will study without 4G as they are deprived of online classes.”
“Saza ki ek inteha hai (there is a limit to every punishment). 4G must be restored in Jammu and Kashmir because studies are suffering,” Bukhari said.
He also said that Jammu people want land and job rights to remain with them like people of Kashmir want. “Divisive forces will never succeed in their policies to divide two regions. Youth have priority of development and education,” he said adding that JKAP has only one slogan of “restoration of statehood” and everyone has to be united in getting the status back.
“We have rights in the Constitution of India. Do we have only to see toll Plazas for development of Jammu?,” He rued and sought transparency over roadmap to revive economy in Jammu and Kashmir, which in still missing.
Bukhari though thanked the administration for their decision of revoking SRO 202 but demanded amendment in the transfer policy.
He also said that ‘Apni Party’ is focussing to get back Statehood not on ‘power’.