Srinagar, March 8 : Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) President, Altaf Bukhari, expressed his concerns regarding the recent budget announcement, stating that it holds little significance for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially in light of ongoing challenges faced by the region’s residents.
Addressing the media, Bukhari emphasized that the issue at hand was not the budget itself but the dire situation of the local population, including youth and elderly, who remain incarcerated. He questioned the benefits of the budget, pointing out that for the past seven years, the region has been without a functioning government, leading him to wonder what tangible impact the current budget would have on the lives of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Maybe the budget was coming in the last 7 years when there was no government here. So what is in this budget that my people of Jammu and Kashmir will get a great benefit from?” Bukhari asked.
He also voiced concerns over the absence of local representation in the assembly and appealed for the passage of crucial legislative measures, particularly the domicile law.
According to Bukhari, this law would grant domiciles to residents after 15 years of residence in the region, a much-needed provision to protect the rights of locals. He urged the assembly members to pass the first bill concerning this law, which has been a point of contention for many in the region.
“My request is to the assembly, where we have no representatives. Because there are many people sitting there, and I request them to pass the first bill. Our domicile law, which gives you a domicile after 15 years,” Bukhari said.
Bukhari also addressed concerns regarding land ownership and leasing practices in the region. He clarified that industrial lands in Kotwa, previously leased out by Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah in 1975, are now available for purchase, with a focus on ensuring that 95% of land remains safe, and 88% of it is agricultural land, which is accessible to residents of Jammu and Kashmir. He urged the public to focus on factual information and criticized the media for creating unnecessary panic.
“First, you should do research. Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah Sahib used to give a lease of 99 years. He started giving beyond lease after 1975. The industrial land in quota used to be available earlier. You also get it, but the difference is that the lease is not 99 years old. Now you can buy it,” Bukhari explained.
