Says “empty condemnation statements from ruling party leaders, including those holding powerful portfolios in the government, are meaningless in the face of such human suffering”
JK News Today
Srinagar, May 22: Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Friday urged the J&K government to fulfil its responsibility towards the families affected by the recent demolition drive in Sidhra, Jammu.
In a strongly worded statement, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said, “The families devastated by the ruthless demolition drive in Jammu’s Sidhra on May 19 are still waiting for even a ray of hope or assurance from the elected government.”
Accusing ruling party leaders and ministers of issuing mere statements instead of taking concrete steps to ensure justice for the victims, the Apni Party president said, “Empty condemnation statements from ruling party leaders, including those holding powerful portfolios in the government, are meaningless in the face of such human suffering. Some of these statements are even laughable. One such statement even blamed the demolitions on the absence of statehood in J&K. Instead of stepping forward to ensure immediate relief, compensation, and rehabilitation for the affected families, the government appears more interested in politicising their pain.”
He further said, “The undeniable fact is that every department involved in carrying out this unfortunate demolition campaign functions under the elected government, a government that enjoys a massive public mandate. It cannot escape responsibility or accountability.”
“Do not reduce the suffering of these victims to a political blame game. People voted for you after hearing your tall claims and big promises. Now, at least, have the courage to accept responsibility and act with courage and compassion,” Mr Bukhari said.
Referring to the hardships currently faced by the affected families, the Apni Party chief said, “It is heartbreaking that these families are currently living under temporary polythene shelters, sleeping on foam sheets in the scorching heat of Jammu. To make matters worse, their electricity and water connections have also been cut off. These departments, too, are directly under the government’s control.”
He added, “Credible media reports suggest that many affected families have decided not to celebrate the upcoming Eid al-Adha. Homes that should have been preparing for a festival are instead filled with grief and despair.”
“This is no longer just an administrative issue — it is a moral test for the government. The real question now is whether the government will continue to let these families suffer or finally step forward to fulfil its responsibility towards the affected people,” Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari remarked.
