Srinagar, July 05: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Saturday reiterated his demand for reinstating the gazetted holiday on July 13, in honour of the 1931 martyrs.
He also appealed to the central government to prioritize developmental projects, such as the two proposed tunnels, which will shorten the distance between Bandipora and places like Lolab and Gurez. Also, Apni Party President reiterated his demand for the restoration of Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
Apni Party President made these demands today while addressing a party convention held at the Town Hall in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district.
The party’s Senior Vice President, Ghulam Hassan Mir, along with other veteran leaders, also addressed the gathering.
Rain, Thunderstorms Likely in J&K from Tomorrow, Flash Flood Warning Issued
In his speech, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said, “13 July—the martyr’s day is nearing. They were heroes who stood against autocracy and dictatorship and give their lives in 1931. Today, I reiterate the demand for the restoration of the gazetted holiday on July 13 in their honour. Is an elected government, with a massive public mandate, not able to ensure the restoration of July 13 holiday? Or it needs to seek Delhi’s permission even for a matter as simple as this?”
Urging the Central government to prioritise Jammu Kashmir’s developmental projects, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said, “I strongly urge the Government of India to give top priority to the long-pending development projects in Jammu and Kashmir—especially the Bandipora- Gurez tunnel, and Bandipora-Lolab Via Aloosa tunnel. These projects, if taken up without further delay, will greatly cut down travel time and distance between Bandipora and remote areas like Lolab and Gurez. Better roads and faster access will open new doors for economic growth in the region. The Razdan Pass tunnel, in particular, is crucial for the Gurez Valley, which remains cut off during harsh winters.”
Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari also reiterated his demand for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and appealed New Delhi to “restore Statehood to J&K without any further delay.”
Apni Party President urged Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha to intervene and ensure that all tourist places which still remain closed are reopened for visitors.
He said, “Why is Gurez Valley still closed? People should be allowed to move around freely. It is the responsibility of the security agencies to ensure safety in these areas, but keeping them continuously closed is not a viable solution. I urge LG Sinha Sahib to intervene in the matter and ensure that the remaining tourist spots are reopened as well.”
