Apni Party demands restoration of statehood to Jammu Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) led by former finance minister Syed Altaf Bukhari on Saturday demanded restoration of statehood for union territory and domicile rights over land and jobs for its people.

A party delegation led by Bukhari, who is JKAP president, called on Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Goverr Girish Chandra Murmu here to highlight socio-political and ecomic issues faced by people of J-K, a spokesman of party said. He said JKAP leers held detailed discussions on various issues confronting people, especially after implementation of J-K Reorganization Act, 2019.

meeting was held in an amicable atmosphere and Lt Goverr gave a patient hearing to delegation and assured all possible support from government to redress issues confronting people of Jammu and Kashmir, spokesman said. A memorandum highlighting some of important political and socio-ecomic issues faced by people of J-K was submitted to Lt Goverr, he said. party leers demanded restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, saying an early anuncement in this regard would furr solidify idea of pluralism and respectful coexistence in region.

“It is more than essential that restoration of statehood to J-K is considered as an immediate requirement for keeping up spirit of coexistence and allowing a pluralistic blend to continue to shine in this part of country.

“We take this opportunity to remind government of India through your good office about its promise on restoration of statehood including establishment of a Legislative Council and in providing reto reservation of seats for socially and ecomically backward classes, art culture, langus, literature and sports,” re memorandum.

spokesman said party also demanded domicile rights over land and jobs for people of J-K. “While our party has been vehemently demanding domicile rights on land and jobs for people of Jammu and Kashmir, recent domicile order issued by union government vis-à-vis rights of residents of J-K on jobs reflects a casual approach. “Being a government-issued order and t a law me by Parliament, new gazette tification regarding domicile rule for J-K residents is t immune to any judicial review,” spokesman said. “Our demand is that those residents of J-K who have alrey a valid Permanent Resident Certificate should t be asked for domicile certificates both for possession of land and immovable property or for applying to any government jobs,” he said.

party leers also demanded security for political activists, release of detainees, withdrawal of cases against youth, ensuring J-K Bank's automy, support for industry and manufacturing sector, revival of tourism and restoration of high-speed 4G internet in UT.

delegation was assured that a few of demands mentioned in memorandum which are exclusively within jurisdiction of union government would be forwarded to concerned quarters with specific recommendations from J-K government, spokesman said.