Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari calls for reconciliation to bring a positive change in J&K

 Says, a mindset of forgiveness, compassion, and harmony can shape people’s destiny in positive Ways; reiterates his demand for the release of detainees

 Apni party president gives a warm welcome to the new joinees into the party

 SRINAGAR, April 17: Apni party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Monday emphasised that reconciliation is important to shape the destiny of J&K and its people in a positive way.

According to a press release issued here, Mr. Bukhari was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a party event, in which a large number of political leaders and activists from central Kashmir’s Badgam district joined the Apni Party at its headquarters in Srinagar.

In response to questions, Apni Party President said, “The militancy has taken a backstage in J&K and the people have been contributing to restoring the normalcy here; therefore, the time has come to start a reconciliation to shape up the destiny of this land and its people in a positive manner.”

However, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari expressed his worry about the prevailing drug menace in society and yet again called for comprehensive efforts by one and all to eradicate the menace and protect the young population from falling prey to it.

He said, “As you know, Apni Party has already launched a campaign named ‘Say yes to life and say no to drugs’ with a range of initiatives, but the problem needs to be tackled on a large scale and everyone from the society, especially our religious leaders, need to come forward to play their vital role in eradicating the drug abuse from the society.”

Stressing on the release of the veteran religious leaders, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said, “The prominent religious leaders including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Moulana Abdul Rasheed Dawoodi, Moulana Mushtaq Ahmad Veeri, and others who are in jail must be released because these veteran social and religious leaders have huge following in the Valley can play an important role to help eradicate social evils including drug abuse in the Valley.

 He further said, “Jammat Islami J&K must be allowed to carry out its religious activities so that it can help eradicating social evils including the growing drug menace in Jammu and Kashmir.”

Earlier, greeting a large group of political leaders and activists from Badgam district into the party fold, and addressing the gathering of these new entrants, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said, “I am delighted to welcome you into Apni Party, and I am sure your joining will strengthen our party cadre in your respective area and will help to drive us forward in our mission to serve the people. Together, we can work towards a better future for Jammu and Kashmir and its people.”

“I assure you that you will find this party supportive in order to serve the people in your respective areas.” He added.

The prominent among the new entrants from Badgam included former leader of the Democratic Azad Party (DAP) Zahid Hussain Jan, President of Municipal Committee Badgam Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat, former President of Municipal Committee Badgam Mehrajuddin, Councillor Nisar Ahmad Bhat, Councillor Yaqoob Ahmad Malla, Councillor Ashiq Hussain Bhat, Councillor Ghulam Rasool Bhat, Councillor Nisar Ahmad Najar, Councillor Razia Hassan, Councillors Sara Begum, Amjal Zahid, Hamid Hassan, Firdousa, Qurat ul Ain, Mohsina, Jawahira, Jahn Ahmad, Mohammad Qasim, former congress leader Ismail Raja, Mohammad Yousuf, Riyaz Ahmad Wani, Muzaffar Ahmad, Mohammad Rafiq, Sarpanch Mohammad Shahid, Hilal Ahmad, Mohammad Ashraf —all from Charar-i-Sharief, and Abdul Gani Chopan and Ghulam Mohammad Sheik from Dreygam.

Meanwhile, Sarpanch from south Kashmir Kokernag Mohammad Ashraf Also joined the party along with his scores of supporters at the same event.

The prominent party leaders who were present on the occasion included Senior Vice President Ghulam Hassan Mir, Vice President Zaffar Iqbal Manhas, Vice President Usman Majid, Chairman of the party’s Parliamentary Affairs Committee Mohammad Dilawar Mir, State President and District President Badgam Muntazir Mohiuddin, Media Advisor Farooq Andrabi, District President Srinagar Noor Mohammad Sheikh, District President Anantnag A. R. Rather, District President Pulwama Gul Mohammad, District President Ganderbal Javaid Mir, Senior leader Usman Majid, Senior Leader Umar Jan,  Constituency In charge Charar-i-Sharief Mushtaq Zuhami, In charge of Srinagar’s Khanyar constituency Mohsin Zaffar, and others.

(NOTE: PRESS RELEASE PUBLISHED AS RECEIVED)