Taking strong exception to latest orders issued by Union Home Ministry conferring more powers to the Lt Governor, Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (AP) on Sunday demanded restoration of statehood and elections.
A spokesman of the AP said the party will start public outreach programme.
He said a meeting of party functionaries of the AP was held on Sunday in Srinagar which was chaired by president Syed Altaf Bukhari.
He said the party taking a strong exception to the latest order issued by the union home ministry thereby conferring more powers to the Lt Governor to manage the affairs of civil and police administration in J&K, the meeting reiterated its demand for restoration of Statehood and elections in order to put an end to such undemocratic and arbitrary decisions.
The meeting urged the Government of India to take into consideration all the prerequisites and sensitivities involved in strengthening a democratic and political process in J&K before taking such decisions which are of autocratic nature.
“It is highly unfortunate that we witness decisions being taken on a day-to-day basis arbitrarily and are being imposed in a highly unethical manner,” the meeting observed.
Underlining the significance of a strong bonding between the representatives and the public in any democratic set up, the Bukhari emphasized the need for an immediate public outreach programme at grassroots level throughout J&K.
It was unanimously decided that the Party will further strengthen its public outreach initiatives to discuss their day-to-day issues at district levels in coming days. It was also resolved that the Party will announce the appointment of its other office bearers including district presidents very soon.
The Party functionaries vowed to stand behind the party president in his efforts of pursuing the Party agenda of restoring peace and progress through political empowerment and an equitable socio-economic development of the people in Jammu and Kashmir.
Administrative inertia, developmental deficit, distressed economy and the growing disconnect between the people and Lt. Governor led administration in J&K also surfaced for deliberations during the meeting. The party leadership also expressed deep concern over the plight of people associated with tourism, businesses, industries, agriculture, horticulture and the handicrafts sector.
Regarding the government curbs in Shia dominated areas; the meeting observed that it is highly regrettable that despite showing exemplary discipline in following all SOPs and social and health protocols under COVID-19 guidelines across J&K, the mourners were barred from participating in congregational mourning.
“While, the discipline shown by the Mourners to follow the COVID protocol across J&K is extremely laudable, it seems the government has decided not only to alienate but humiliate the people by imposing unwarranted restrictions on such religious gatherings. We strongly condemn the use of force against the mourners reported by the media from various places in Kashmir,” the meeting remarked.
The meeting recalled the valor and sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS) on the occasion Ashura saying that day holds special importance among the Muslim community. “The government decision to ban Muharram processions and use of force is not only condemnable but bereft of any logic. We express solidarity with Muharram mourners on this auspicious and holy occasion,” the meeting remarked.
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