Former PDP leader launches new political party, oppositions likely to join

In a bid to provide solace to the masses ‘facing challenges since 5th August 2019’ former People’s Democratic Party leader Syed Altaf Bukhari launched his own new political party on Sunday. The name of the party is 'Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party' (JKAP).

"It is a very happy occasion that finally we have come up with our party known as Apni Party. It puts a lot of responsibility on us as the expectations and challenges are huge. I assure people of Jammu and Kashmir that my will is strong to surmount these challenges in the interest of my people," Bukhari told exclusively to ANI.

"After August 5, a lot has changed. People are in despair, tourism is reduced to zero and local industries have closed down. In that view, challenges are very huge. It is an endeavour to see how we can restore the semblance of these things," he added.

The party was launched particularly on the occasion of International Women’s Day.

Thirty one politicians are anticipated to become a member of the party, including those from National Conference, PDP and Congress, according to sources.

As per sources the main focus of the party will be development and that the party will possess representatives from Jammu and Kashmir. The party is also likely to include the Kashmiri Pandits.

The formation of the political party could be perceived as the dawn of the political process in the region outside of the family rule party system.

Further emphasizing on the essence of the newly formed party, Bukhari underlined that confidence building steps between centre and the state needed to be reinstated.

"People here are feeling the absence of credible voices, who can take up their issues and get them sorted," he said.

Also Read: Jammu and Kashmir: Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi visits Srinagar, says, 'positive atmosphere'

Also Read: Jammu and Kashmir: Three Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists killed in encounter in Shopian