Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, April 4 

Apni Party President Altaf Bukhari on Saturday called for stronger policy measures to boost economic growth in Srinagar, accusing past governments of failing to address long-standing economic challenges in the city.

Addressing a public gathering organised by the Apni Party in the Maisuma area, Bukhari said residents of Srinagar have faced decades of neglect despite repeated participation in elections.

He urged the government to prioritise economic upliftment, particularly in densely populated areas where, he said, poverty and inadequate housing remain persistent concerns.

Bukhari said high voter turnout in recent elections reflected a commitment by residents to peace, adding that authorities should respond with development initiatives and economic support.

He criticised traditional political parties for what he described as a failure to deliver meaningful development over the past several decades, alleging that economic hardship continues to affect many families across the city.

Highlighting housing shortages, he said some families are forced to share limited space, which in turn affects social conditions, including delayed marriages due to financial constraints.

Bukhari also called for extending benefits under the Economically Weaker Sections category to eligible residents, saying such measures could improve access to government opportunities.

Referring to the 2019 revocation of Article 370, he accused regional parties of contributing to the circumstances that led to its removal and reiterated his demand for dialogue between New Delhi and the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Several senior party leaders also addressed the gathering, emphasising the need for economic development and engagement with youth as part of broader efforts to stabilise and grow the region’s economy.