Jammu, Sep 16 (PTI) Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Wednesday said meaningful political change was possible only when the youth took charge of the region’s political and social affairs.
Bukhari also urged the youth to take an active role in shaping the future of the Union Territory.
Addressing a joining programme at the party headquarters here, Bukhari welcomed former NSUI joint secretary Tavleen Bobarai along with nearly 200 youths and around 100 prominent citizens from Arnia into the Apni Party.
“You have to bring the change. Until you bring the change, the politics of Jammu and Kashmir will not improve,” Bukhari said, urging the new entrants to remain connected with their communities and participate actively in public life.
Bukhari said healthcare, unemployment, electricity, drinking water and accountable governance should remain at the centre of political discourse.
Describing the demands for higher remuneration by on-strike National Health Mission employees as legitimate, Bukhari urged the administration to address their grievances.
“Healthcare is a universal right,” he said, questioning gaps in manpower and services at hospitals in remote areas.
Bukhari also questioned referrals from Rajouri Medical College to Government Medical College Jammu and criticised the BJP over claims surrounding the establishment of AIIMS at Vijaypur, saying healthcare infrastructure must translate into accessible treatment for people.
On the Uniform Civil Code, Bukhari said the immediate priority should be ensuring people’s access to basic healthcare and other necessities. “UCC is for those people who will stay alive,” he said.
He said Jammu and Kashmir’s educated youth needed employment and livelihood opportunities, while the government should avoid adding to the financial burden on employees, students and other sections.
“We don’t ask for the moon and stars. We ask for the necessities of life,” Bukhari said, listing healthcare, employment, drinking water and electricity among the basic requirements.
He also raised concerns over electricity charges, drinking water availability and alleged delays and corruption in government offices, calling for greater administrative accountability and transparency.
On reservation-related issues, he said the matter required detailed discussion and suggested a wider public debate on the distribution of reservation benefits.
Welcoming the new entrants, Manjit Singh said the Apni Party would stand by them and continue its grassroots engagement across the region. PTI AB SHS
This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.