Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari has questioned National Conference’s proposed Jantar Mantar protest over the restoration of statehood, calling for collective strategy to achieve the goal.

Terming the proposed move as political gimmick Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari has questioned the National Conference’s proposed Jantar Mantar protest over the restoration of statehood, saying decisions on such important political issues should emerge through consultations among all political parties rather than being taken unilaterally.

Speaking to reporters in Kunzer, Bukhari  said the restoration of statehood remains a common political objective, but the strategy to pursue it should be evolved collectively. “Statehood is not something that can be obtained by staging protests on the streets of Delhi or at Jantar Mantar. This proposed protest is merely gimmick and another attempt by the ruling party to divert public attention from its failures and mislead the people,” he said.

 He further said the decision should have been taken after due consideration among political parties. Then why not? Jammu and Kashmir’s political issues will get resolved only through political considerations and not on somebody’s whims and fancies,” he said.While questioning the NC’s approach, Bukhari made it clear that his party fully supports the restoration of statehood and would welcome any effort that succeeds in achieving it.

“May Allah give them strength. If they bring back statehood from Jantar Mantar, I will ask the people of Jammu and Kashmir not to stay at home. We should receive them from Lakhanpur on our shoulders. There should be no party differences then. We should welcome that,” he said.

The Apni Party chief said the issue of statehood should rise above political differences and called for a united political approach to address Jammu and Kashmir’s larger constitutional and political concerns. He said the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who had given the present government a massive mandate, are now deeply disappointed with its performance.

“The people feel deceived because the promises made during the 2024 election campaign have remained unfulfilled. The government has failed to deliver on its commitments, and public frustration continues to grow,” he said.

Ghulam Hassan Mir, and Provincial President Mohammad Ashraf Mir  have also strongly criticised the ruling National Conference (NC)-led government, accusing it of failing to deliver effective governance and honour the promises it made to the people during the 2024 Assembly elections.