In-depth conversations focused on pressing public issues, grievances, developmental deficits, and the prevailing political situation in Jammu and Kashmir
JK News Today
Srinagar, June 21: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Sunday called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at the Lok Bhavan in Srinagar to discuss the prevailing political situation, besides raising important public issues and grievances.
During the meeting, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari raised a range of issues and problems that people are grappling with and urged the LG to ensure these issues are promptly addressed.
They also deliberated on the prevailing political and security situation in Jammu and Kashmir
According to a press release issued here, Apni Party President also apprised the Lieutenant Governor of the official neglect towards several key developmental issues, affecting the people.
He said that residents from various parts of Srinagar city have complained about the inadequate supply of drinking water, while farmers in several areas across the Valley are facing a shortage of irrigation water for their paddy fields.
Mr Bukhari expressed concern that the departments and officials responsible for addressing these issues do not appear to be giving them the attention they deserve. As a result, people are being forced to suffer due to these persistent shortcomings, which continue to affect their daily lives and livelihoods.
He also raised the issue of Kashmiri mutton traders who are allegedly being subjected to undue charges while transporting livestock to Jammu and Kashmir.
He said that “livestock-carrying vehicles entering Jammu and Kashmir through Punjab are being charged substantial fees from 15 to 20 thousand rupees at the Simbu and Madhopur checkpoints.”
He pointed out that “these charges are unjustified and not applicable in the case of J&K mutton traders, as they do not procure livestock from Punjab. Instead, they buy their livestock from states such as Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi.”
Mr. Bukhari said that “these unwarranted charges ultimately contribute to price inflation, placing an additional burden on ordinary consumers in Jammu and Kashmir.”
He requested the intervention of the LG to put an end to this practice.
In response, the LG assured Mr. Bukhari that he would take up the matter with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and make efforts to ensure that the prevailing practice of fee collection is discontinued.
Mr. Bukhari thanked the Hon’ble LG for the decision to reopen the historic Naranag Temple in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district for devotees and tourists. At the same time, he requested the LG to consider reopening other tourist destinations and attractions that were closed following the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam last year.
He said that places such as Vijitop in Rafiabad, Aharbal, Yusmarg, and several other tourist spots should also be reopened, as the livelihoods of many local people depend on tourism-related activities in these areas.
Responding to the request, the LG said that the administration is regularly reviewing the security situation and assured Mr. Bukhari that all presently closed tourist destinations would be eventually reopened in a phased manner.
Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari also raised concerns about the developmental deficit, particularly in Srinagar city. He stressed the urgent need for the repair and reconstruction of roads, lanes, and by-lanes across various city areas, saying that the poor condition of the infrastructure is causing inconvenience to residents and requires immediate attention from the administration.
Apni Party President also apprised the LG of the allegations regarding backdoor appointments, and said that whenever such allegations surface, they create a sense of frustration and disappointment among the youth, who look towards transparent and merit-based recruitment processes.
Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari also apprised LG Sinha of the complaints that people of Uri, especially the local youth, are being deprived of employment opportunities arising from the Uri Power Project.
He said that there are widespread concerns that local youth are being overlooked when it comes to jobs associated with the project.
Mr. Bukhari stressed that deserving local candidates should be given employment opportunities. He also called for adequate opportunities for local truck owners and operators of earthmovers and other machinery to participate in project-related works, so that the economic benefits of the project reach the people of the area.
On all these issues and concerns, the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor assured Apni Party President that he would personally look into the matters and ensure that all genuine issues and concerns raised during the meeting are addressed promptly and effectively.
The LG reiterated his commitment to resolving public grievances and taking appropriate measures to ensure that the concerns highlighted by Mr. Bukhari receive the attention they deserve.
