Sheikh Abdullah took 22 years to realize the right track, PAGD less than a month: Altaf Bukhari

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party chief, Altaf Bukhari, on Thursday hailed the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) decision of participating in the upcoming District Development Council (DDC) elections.

Altaf said it took Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah 22 years to realise the right track but those who are part of PAGD choose the “right path” in less than a month which is a welcome development.

Bukhari also welcomed the J&K Panchayat Conference, an amalgam of Sarpanchs and Panchs into the Apni Party fold. The J&K PC is led by Shafiq Mir.

Addressing a press conference, Bukhari said that till some ten days back, those who are part of PAGD used to cry out loud that elections are meaningless for them. “But now they have decided to fight DDC polls. They still claim that they aren’t power-hungry.”

“I want to ask them what for they are fighting the DDC polls then. Power flows from the grassroots and DDC polls are linked with the grassroots democracy,” Bukhari said.

He said it was good to see leaders associated with the PAGD shunning the “emotional slogans” as such things have always swayed the youth of J&K towards wrong. “It took Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah 22 years to realise what is the right track and it took PAGD less than a month to decide what is right. I am happy over the PAGD’s decision and hail their announcement,” he said.

He said that today’s youth have seen worse situations than ever. “Truth is very bitter. In the past 70 years, whatever was earned was snatched,” Bukhari said.

Bukhari said his party has not given up as far on Article 370. “The case is in the Supreme Court. We had five MPs who unfortunately couldn’t save it. Those five people can’t bring Article 370 back. Our hope is tied with the SC,” he said, adding that his party also demands Statehood back and is fighting for it.”

He said that unless 272 Members of Parliament would vote for the restoration of Article 370, it can’t be restored. “Apart from the parliament, our hope is SC and let’s hope for the best,” Bukhari said.

About the poll symbol of J&K Apni Party — Bat, Bukhari said that his party members will be like true sportsmen in full spirits.

On the new land laws, he said J&K Apni Party will fight for the protection of land rights. “…industry, we understand that, but that can’t be at the cost of our youth. This is not just a slogan but I assure you that we will fight for the change of land laws,” he said. “We have vowed to get the land laws amended, and we will get it amended.”

Asked how can his party get land laws amended, he said, “Through persuasion. This  is not something we will get on a plate.” KNO