Srinagar, November 18: The Apni Party on Tuesday expressed grave concern over the recent car blast in New Delhi and the reported involvement of well-educated individuals, calling the attack “highly condemnable” and urging the Centre to uncover and address the factors driving white-collar radicalisation.
The remarks came during a day-long working committee meeting chaired by Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari at the party headquarters in Srinagar. The meeting reviewed key political, economic and social issues in Jammu and Kashmir and discussed growing public grievances.
At the outset, party leaders observed a two-minute silence for those killed in the New Delhi blast and the accidental explosion at Nowgam police station last week. The committee passed a resolution strongly condemning the Delhi attack and demanded exemplary punishment for the perpetrators.
The party said the emerging trend of radicalisation among educated individuals must be thoroughly investigated. While firm action against terrorism is essential, the leadership stressed that “winning hearts and minds” through meaningful outreach and renewed dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir is equally critical for long-term peace.
The resolution also highlighted what the party described as a persistent “trust deficit” between New Delhi and the people of J&K, urging the Centre to honour its commitment to public engagement and dialogue.
The Apni Party further raised concerns over rising inflation, growing unemployment, and what it called the government’s failure to meet its own promises, including providing one lakh jobs within six months of assuming office. Citing the recent Budgam by-election, the party said the result reflects public discontent and “a punishment vote” against the ruling establishment.
On governance, the meeting criticised the administration for failing to revive core economic sectors such as handicrafts, horticulture and tourism, warning that poor economic performance is feeding into an increasingly fragile security environment after recent attacks.
The party outlined its proposed framework for course correction, calling for participatory governance, revitalisation of natural economic sectors, market-oriented reforms, timely Panchayat and ULB elections, regularisation of daily wagers, and an employment drive for youth. It also sought reforms in the reservation system to ensure a more balanced and merit-protecting policy.
Concluding the meeting, the leadership said Jammu and Kashmir stands at a “delicate crossroads” and requires farsighted, responsible governance to steer it away from deepening economic and security challenges. The Apni Party vowed to “remain at the forefront” of efforts to restore stability and deliver tangible results for the people.
