ALTAF BUKHARI SOUNDS ALARM OVER SRINAGAR’S ‘DEVELOPMENTAL DEPRIVATION’, SEEKS MASTER PLAN PROBE

 

 

Apni Party chief questions changes to city’s land-use pattern; raises concerns over civic crisis, youth livelihoods and alleged attempts to settle outsiders

 

Srinagar, September 20: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari has sounded the alarm over what he described as the continued neglect and “developmental deprivation” of Srinagar, particularly its historic Downtown areas, while demanding a thorough inquiry into alleged alterations to the city’s Master Plan.

 

Addressing a public meeting at Chinar Colony, Parray Pora, in the Chanapora constituency, Bukhari said decades of neglect had pushed Srinagar into a situation of serious developmental and livelihood distress.

 

“Srinagar, especially its Downtown area, has been suffering from decades of consistent neglect and developmental deprivation,” Bukhari said, alleging that successive governments had failed to adequately address the city’s growing civic and infrastructure problems.

 

He also questioned changes made to the Srinagar Master Plan, claiming that land-use patterns had been altered in ways that had caused lasting damage to the character and planned development of the historic city.

 

“The areas that were originally designated for commercial use have been turned into residential areas, while areas meant exclusively for residential purposes have been converted into commercial zones,” he said.

 

Bukhari further alleged that large commercial buildings had been permitted within residential colonies, creating difficulties for residents and putting additional pressure on already congested neighbourhoods.

 

He demanded a thorough investigation into who altered the Master Plan, at whose behest and for what purpose, saying the people of Srinagar deserved to know how such decisions were taken.

 

Bukhari raises allegations over ‘outsider settlement’

 

The Apni Party chief also expressed concern over what he described as reports of attempts to settle outsiders in Jammu and Kashmir under the guise of development.

 

“Some reports suggest that attempts are being made to settle outsiders in Kashmir under the garb of development,” he said.

 

Bukhari alleged that some local individuals were facilitating such activities and that land was allegedly being purchased in the names of locals on behalf of outsiders.

 

“It is being alleged that land is being purchased on behalf of outsiders and that they are subsequently being settled on these properties,” he said, while demanding a probe into the allegations.

 

Calls for dialogue with J&K youth

 

Speaking on the broader political situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Bukhari reiterated his appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to initiate a dialogue with the people of the region, particularly the youth.

 

He also called for constitutional guarantees to protect domicile-related rights.

 

“Our youth are facing serious difficulties that need to be addressed. How long will they continue to be called to police stations for mistakes of their past? How long will they be denied the mandatory police verification required for employment and obtaining passports?” he asked.

 

Bukhari said young people who had chosen the path of peace should be given an opportunity to move forward and live with dignity.

 

He also urged the Prime Minister not to view Jammu and Kashmir solely through the prism of the National Conference and PDP, arguing that the people of the region should be heard independently.

 

Targets government over unfulfilled promises

 

Bukhari also criticised the ruling party over what he described as its failure to fulfil promises made to people during the 2024 elections.

 

He alleged that the government was not even prepared to discuss the issue of detainees.

 

Referring to the Apni Party’s engagements with senior Central government leaders following the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A, Bukhari said his party had worked to ensure that people retained their rights over land and jobs in Jammu and Kashmir.

 

He maintained that the domicile framework should be extended to provide greater protection to the people of J&K.

 

Bukhari calls for review of reservation policy

 

On reservation, Bukhari described the existing policy as “fundamentally unjust and discriminatory” and called for a review based on population proportions.

 

“We need a judicious reservation policy based on the population ratio so that every section of society receives a fair and proportionate share of employment opportunities,” he said.

 

‘Does Srinagar need statehood to get drinking water?’

 

Turning to Srinagar’s civic problems, Bukhari questioned the government’s response to basic issues such as drinking water, drainage, housing and parking.

 

“Many areas still lack access to even the most basic necessities, such as drinking water. Does this government need the restoration of Statehood before it can ensure something as fundamental as drinking water for the people of the city?” he asked.

 

He said Srinagar’s youth were also facing a serious shortage of livelihood opportunities and alleged that even street vendors were being prevented from earning their living.

 

“Where will they go? What options are being left for them? Why is the government not doing anything to address their concerns?” he asked.

 

Bukhari also highlighted the absence of an adequate housing policy, saying overcrowding had forced several families to live in extremely congested conditions.

 

Drainage, parking and civic infrastructure under spotlight

 

Bukhari said Srinagar continued to face serious drainage problems, with even minor rainfall resulting in flood-like conditions on several city roads.

 

He also raised concerns over inadequate parking facilities and the shortage of marriage halls in Downtown, which he said was creating difficulties for residents organising social and family functions.

 

He called for better housing, effective drainage, cleaner surroundings, improved parking facilities and dignified livelihood opportunities for residents.

 

‘Development cannot depend on political loyalty’

 

Bukhari also alleged that road macadamisation and development works in parts of the Chanapora constituency were being carried out on the basis of residents’ political affiliations.

 

“If people do not support the ruling party, their roads and lanes are being ignored. Is this the way a government should function? Public services and development cannot be made conditional on political loyalty,” he said.

 

He also highlighted the alleged neglect of playgrounds that were intended to provide children and young people with recreational and sporting facilities.

 

Akhoon accuses NC of making unrealistic promises

 

Speaking on the occasion, Apni Party Vice President Mohammad Syed Akhoon accused the National Conference of betraying the public mandate.

 

Akhoon said that while he was associated with the NC, he had cautioned the party leadership against making what he described as misleading promises in its manifesto.

 

He said he had advised against promising the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A, additional ration, free electricity, free gas and government jobs, arguing that such commitments could not be fulfilled under the Union Territory setup.

 

Akhoon said he was subsequently expelled from the party despite having served it for six decades.

 

Rafi Ahmad Mir flags political and environmental concerns

 

Apni Party General Secretary Rafi Ahmad Mir said the people of Jammu and Kashmir were facing serious political challenges.

 

He said governments could come and go and public issues could be addressed over time, but stressed the need for greater introspection on the wider political challenges facing the people.

 

Mir also expressed concern over Srinagar’s environmental challenges, warning that failure to address them could have serious consequences.

 

Apni Party reiterates commitment to public issues

 

Apni Party Provincial President Mohammad Ashraf Mir said the party remained committed to the peace, prosperity and development of Jammu and Kashmir.

 

He said the party would continue to raise public issues and grievances and work towards ensuring their resolution.

 

Among the other prominent party leaders present or speaking at the gathering were Vice President Javaid Mustafa Mir, Additional General Secretary Hilal Ahmed Shah, Chief Coordinator and Kulgam District President Abdul Majeed Padder, State Secretary and Chief Spokesperson Muntazir Mohiuddin, Media Advisor Farooq Andrabi, Women’s Wing President Dilshad Shaheen, Provincial Secretary Mohammad Ashraf Dar, Srinagar District President Zaffar Habib Dar, Sajjad Ahmed, Najeeb Ahmad, Provincial President Youth Wing Jibran Dar, Ward President Nazir Ahmad Dar, Ward President Hyderpora Muzaffar Ahmad Sheikh, Ward President Baghat-Barzulla Mohammad Shafi Wani, and other party leaders and workers.