Srinagar, Mar 9: Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) President Altaf Bukhari has raised concerns over the recently announced budget, asserting that it offers little to the people of Jammu and Kashmir amid the region’s ongoing political and social challenges.
Speaking to the media on the foundation day of the party, Bukhari remarked that the real issue was not the budget itself but the plight of the people, particularly the youth and elderly, many of whom remain incarcerated. He questioned the impact of the financial proposals, highlighting the absence of an elected government for the past seven years. "What significant relief can this budget bring when there has been no functional government to address the people’s concerns?" he asked.
Bukhari also underscored the lack of local representation in the legislative assembly, stressing the need for key legislative measures, particularly a domicile law that grants residency rights after 15 years of stay in the region. He urged those in power to prioritize passing this law to safeguard the rights of the local population.
Touching upon concerns related to land ownership and lease policies, Bukhari clarified that industrial lands in Kotwa, originally leased out by Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah in 1975, remain available for purchase. He assured that 95% of land remains protected, with 88% designated as agricultural land, ensuring accessibility for locals. Criticizing the media for creating unwarranted panic, he urged the public to rely on facts rather than speculation.
"Before spreading misinformation, proper research should be done. Leasing policies have existed since Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah’s tenure, and while the terms have changed, the opportunity to acquire land remains," he said. [KNT]
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