Kupwara, August 26: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Wednesday said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are facing serious issues, including unemployment and lack of basic amenities, while the government appears to be least concerned about addressing their genuine concerns.

Addressing the media on the sidelines of an extraordinary party meeting in Kupwara, Bukhari said unemployment is “destroying the future of our youth” and, in some cases, pushing young people towards drug abuse.

“This government has failed to address the grave challenges confronting the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said, adding that basic facilities such as safe drinking water are still unavailable in several areas.

Bukhari Questions Unfulfilled Election Promises

Responding to a question about Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the National Conference government’s alleged failure to fulfil several election promises, including the commitment to provide 200 units of free electricity, Bukhari said that people have the right to question the government over unfulfilled assurances.

“Omar Abdullah is a thorough gentleman, but the fact remains that his government has failed to deliver on several promises on the basis of which his party sought and secured votes from the people,” he said.

Bukhari added that electoral promises carry a responsibility towards the people who place their trust in a government.

Raises Domicile Residency Period Issue

Bukhari also said that if the government had been willing, it could have extended the mandatory residency period for obtaining domicile status in Jammu and Kashmir.

Meeting With Party Leadership

During his visit to Kupwara, Bukhari held an extraordinary meeting with district and other senior party leaders. The leaders apprised him of various local issues, discussed the prevailing political situation and raised important organisational matters.

During his day-long visit, Bukhari also paid condolence visits at several places. He expressed condolences to Apni Party District Secretary Kupwara Syed Javaid Geelani over the passing of his mother, Masooda Begum.

He also visited Peer Ramzan and condoled the demise of Hayat Kumar of Herri Qadirabad, his maternal cousin. Bukhari also offered Fateh at the grave of Sufi Buzareg Qadir Sahib.

A large number of Apni Party leaders and workers from Kupwara district and various constituencies were present during the meeting.