JAMMU: Altaf Bukhari, the president of the Apni Party, stated on Sunday that the people of Jammu are “deeply” disappointed in the BJP and the administration led by the Lieutenant Governor following the repeal of Article 370. Due to an increase in terrorist activity, the former minister also voiced concerns about the changing security situation in the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch. Speaking at a one-day party convention at Ratnu Chak here, Bukhari stated, “Jammu is deeply disappointed with the present dispensation and the BJP in particular as they have failed to deliver what was promised after the abrogation of Article 370.”He said that the BJP had assured the people that Article 370’s abrogation would open the door for significant investment in wider industrial growth and the creation of jobs, calling it a “stumbling block” in the development of Jammu and Kashmir. He declared, “Nothing like this has happened till date,” referring to the purported underdevelopment and dissatisfaction of the populace, particularly because outsiders have “grabbed” Jammu’s resources and trades. He claimed that the local populace feels taken advantage of because the foreign contractor and alcohol mafia actively collaborates with government officials.He made reference to the anti-encroachment drives, the alleged increase in the number of liquor stores, and the exploitation of natural resources. “These officials have also been imported to Jammu and Kashmir even though they do not know the ground reality, and these officers have no connect with the population and have become infamous for their actions that are completely anti-people,” he said. He claimed that Jammu and Kashmir had never before seen a situation where the native population was entirely ignored and outsiders were actively encouraged in both the public and private sectors. There is no responsibility for public servants. This is taking place as a result of J&K not having an elected government and not having assembly elections announced,” he stated. The leader of the Apni party restated the party’s demands for the prompt restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood as well as the holding of assembly elections to give the populace a say in who leads their government. He was grateful to the locals who lived near the International Border and the Line of Control because they had “bravely” faced the enemies and assisted the defence forces in defending the internal security of the country. During the convention, Bukhari paid moving tributes to the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks out of respect.
