Peerzada Tahir
Scores of trade leaders and civil society members Thursday joined the ranks of Altaf Bukhari led Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party, bringing a visible change in the political sphere of north Kashmir’s Sopore.
Among the trade leaders who joined the party ranks Industrial Estates President Javaid Ahmad Bhat and Sopore Traders Federation Member Rayees Kaloo are a few to count. Others who joined the party are Imtiyaz Ahmad Mir, Fayaz Ahmad Dar, Ghulam Jeelani Kana, Qazi Munaf.
The apple town of Sopore has remained the hotbed of separatists and militants for decades and any movement in mainstream politics was a distant dream. With the trade and civil society members joining the mainstream politics is seen as a massive change in the political setup.
A trade member told Webstory that it is for the first time in Sopore that people in the town have started coming forward for their rights and for the town’s betterment and development.
“In order to restore the glory of Sopore, which was once known as Chota London, many young and well-educated youth have come forward in the last two years with the intention of serving the people of this town. In the previous elections, Sopore created history by voting in huge numbers and making ULB elections successful,” he added.
Mohammad Saleem, a civil society member, said that the industrial president, the trade leader, and other senior citizens of the town joining hands with the Altaf Bukari-led Apni party is a massive step and it can completely change the political scenario of north Kashmir’s Sopore town.
Speaking to The Web Story, Industrial President Sopore Javeed Bhat said that people of Sopore have every right to progress.
“How long will people in my town suffer for want of basic amenities? Time has changed now and it’s my responsibility to fight for the rights of my people, to fight for the development of my town,” Jabeed said.
He said that politicians have been lying to Soporians by making fake promises but time has come for Soporians to fight for their own rights.
In a query regarding joining the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party, Javid said that the voice of people was always silenced in Sopore by certain groups and people.
“We were never given a chance to raise our issues, to express ourselves but we will have to fight for our Sopore to the top level. I will personally lead this fight for my own people through the mandate of Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party,” Javid further added.
Rayees Ahmad Kaloo in a chat said “I think I can serve the town in a better way by joining politics, and in the current scenario, Apni Party is the best choice to meet the expectations of the people of Sopore town.” He added.
