Apni Party holds maiden meet after LS poll debacle, say have no affiliation with any party

Srinagar, July 1: For the first time after parliamentary poll debacle in Jammu & Kashmir, Apni Party led by the former minister, Syed Altaf Bukhari on Monday chaired a crucial meeting of its leaders and passed several resolutions, demanding removal of Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) and the restoration of Statehood to J&K.
Sharing details of the meeting with media persons while addressing a press conference, AP leader, Muntazir Mohiuddin, who several other leaders accompanied, said that all the leaders including those holding key posts attended the meeting chaired by its Syed Altaf Bukhari.

He said that the suggestions were sought from all the leaders and several resolutions were passed, which include the removals of AFSPA, restoration of Statehood and holiday on 13 July martyrs day as existed before.
“In the first instance, we want to make it clear that the Apni Party has no affiliation with any other parties, it is a regional party and has nothing to do with other parties,” he said.
“We have raised several demands today, which include restoration of complete Statehood as promised with the people by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The promise should be fulfilled even before elections,” he said, adding that there should not be any alterations as the complete Statehood as existed before should be ensured.
AP also demands removal of AFSPA. The Union Home Minister Amit Shah and PM have clearly mentioned that it will be removed. The party demands its immediate removal, he said.
Moreover, the party has pitched for the declaration of holiday on 13 July (Martyrs Day) as existed a few days before, saying that the people should also be allowed to visit the graveyard on this day to pay homage to the martyrs on this particular day.
The party has also sought the government intervention with regard to generating employment avenues for the youngsters. Besides, the party has also demanded reduction in electricity bills.
The party while addressing the media persons welcomed the Amarnath Yatries to Jammu & Kashmir and appealed to the government not to stop the local people on the roads amidst the scorching heat during the movement of pilgrims.