Srinagar, Dec 25: Jammu Kashmir Apni Party President Syed Muhammad Altaf Bukhari Saturday said that its not time to score brownie points vis-à-vis Delimitation Commission’s proposed draft but all leader cutting across political ideology should stage peaceful protest so that voices of the people could reach to the power corridors.
Bukari as per news agency Kashmir News Trust was speaking to reporters here in Kashmir capital Srinagar.
“Every day there should be protest against the proposed draft of the Delimitation Commission that has crossed the limits of its mandate. Like Apni Party all other political parties should raise their voices in this regard,” he said.
Pertinently, Delimitation Commission in its Draft has proposed six additional Assembly seat for Jammu and one for Kashmir-a move that has drawn flak in Valley.
While commenting on the ‘Hardiwar Hate Assembly’ in which ‘fringe’ elements openly threatened minorities living in India, Bukhari said to score seats in elections, hatred should not be spread among different communities. “It’s not good for the country to encourage those who spew venom and spread hate,” he said.
Apni Party President Syed Muhammad Altaf Bukhari demanded the immediate release of incarcerated political leader Engineer Rashid saying that he was not affiliated with any separatist group but was an elected representative of people. “Government of India should release him so that he can take part in political activities,” he said and also sought the release of three Kashmir students who have been lodged in Agra Jail on charges of sedition for celebrating the victory of Pakistan cricket team over India in T20 World Cup.
In response to a question, he said media is unable to represent people freely and he can understand the pressure they are feeling. “Media has been gaged in Kashmir. It is fourth pillar of democracy but unfortunately this pillar has been dismantled in Valley. Our party will also stage silent protest in favor of journalist fraternity,” he said.
When asked that Friday prayers are not being allowed in grand mosque here in Srinagar, Bukhari said he requests LG Manoj Sinha to treat every religion equally. “Please, throw Jama Masjid open for devotees,” he requested the government. (KNT)
