26/07/2025
PDP leader Sarwar M***i, along with scores of associates, joins Apni Party
Party leaders give warm welcome to new entrants from Srigufwara–Bijbehara constituency
Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari invites PDP leaders who worked with the late M***i Mohammad Sayeed to join Apni Party
Srinagar, July 26: In a significant event held at the Apni Party headquarters in Srinagar, PDP leader Sarwar M***i, along with dozens of his associates, from Srigufwara–Bijbehara Assembly constituency formally joined the Apni Party today.
On the occasion, Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari and other senior leaders, extended a warm welcome to the new entrants.
Besides Sarwar M***i, his prominent associates who joined the Apni Party along with their teams included Mohammad Abdullah Shah, Mudasir Ali Latoo, Showkat Ahmad Salro, Advocate Zeshan Danish, Showkat Ahmad Latto, Mohammad Abbas Wani, and others. All of them belong to the Srigufwara–Bijbehara Assembly constituency.
Addressing the occasion, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, while welcoming M***i Sarwar along and his associates into the Apni Party, also extended an invitation to all PDP leaders who had worked with the late M***i Mohammad Sayeed and now feel uncomfortable in that organisation.
He said, “I am pleased to welcome M***i Sarwar and the leaders and workers who have joined Apni Party today. This party belongs to the people of Jammu and Kashmir — not to any political family. We do not believe in dynastic rule, and everyone is welcome here.”
He went on to say, “The problem with the PDP is that it has ended up in the hands of a single family. It was established in 1999 to offer a political alternative, to end dynastic rule, and to challenge the arrogant monopoly of the National Conference. Unfortunately, over time, the PDP itself turned into a Khandani Jamaat — a family-run party. I know that many of those who worked closely with the late M***i Sahib now feel sidelined and humiliated within the party. I invite them to join the Apni Party. Together, we will work to uphold the dignity of the people and restore their rights.”
Taking a dig at traditional political parties, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said, “Over the past several decades, these parties have sold everything to New Delhi. From surrendering the post of Prime Minister to allowing the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court in this region, they have compromised on everything for their personal and political gain.”
“Apni Party is the only party that has successfully managed to achieve something from New Delhi. After August 2019, we ensured the protection of the special rights of the people over land and jobs in this region. That was our achievement soon after this party was established.”
After the event, while speaking to reporters, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari accused the traditional political parties of not being serious about their demand for statehood.
He said, “They are not serious. They are not even willing to join hands to strengthen this demand before the Centre. No sincere efforts are being made for the restoration of statehood. It is only the Apni Party that is preparing itself and building the strength to genuinely struggle for the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir.”
Replying to a question, he said, “Had the Congress Party not joined hands with the ruling BJP on August 5, 2019, to change the constitutional position of Jammu and Kashmir, no such change would have been possible. The bill could not have been passed in the Rajya Sabha without Congress support.”
Speaking on the occasion, Apni Party’s General Secretary Rafi Ahmad Mir welcomed the new entrants.
He said, “I wholeheartedly welcome you all to the Apni Party, and I assure you that the entire leadership will stand firmly behind you as you go out to serve the people in your respective areas.”
He urged the party leaders and senior workers to “stay connected with the people in order to understand their pressing issues and grievances, so that these concerns can be highlighted and brought to the notice of the concerned officials for their prompt redressal.”
Speaking in the gathering, party’s Additional General Secretary Hilal Ahmad Shah explained the party’s agenda and policies.
He said, “Our agenda and policies are rooted in the politics of truthfulness. We have resolved never to lie to the people or mislead them. We will never show our younger generation a path that leads to graveyards or jails. Instead, we will guide and lead our youth along a path of lasting peace, enduring prosperity, and equitable development across Jammu and Kashmir.”
Party’s Provincial President Mohammad Ashraf Mir while giving a warm welcome to the new entrants said, “I welcome you all. I am very much sure that your joining will strengthen the party cadre further in your constituency.”
He added, “Ours is the newest political party, yet a joining like this one indicates that the Apni Party is steadily gaining public acceptance and popularity with each passing day.”
On this occasion, Sarwar M***i expressed his gratitude to the party leadership, especially Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari.
He highlighted the pressing public issues faced by people across J&K, as well as the grievances from his own constituency of Srigufwara–Bijbehara. He expressed his hope that he and his colleagues will be able to stand by the people and play a pivotal role in addressing these issues and grievances through the platform of Apni Party.
The other prominent party leaders who were present on the occasion included Senior Vice President Ghulam Hassan Mir, Chairman Parliamentary Affairs Committee (PAC) Mohammad Dilawar Mir, Chief coordinator & District President Kulgam Abdul Majeed Paddar, Chief Spokesperson & State Secretary Muntazir Mohiudin, Media Advisor & Media Panelist Farooq Andrabi, President Women Wing Dilshad Shaheen, Political Advisor to President Khawaja Farooq Renzu Shah, Spokesperson Ishrat Bhat, District President Srinagar Mohammad Shafi Mir, Vice President Srinagar Dr Bilal Mir, Provincial Joint Secretary Kashmir Tanveer Ahmad Bhat, District Secretary Shopain & in-charge constituency Shopain Owais Mushtaq Khan, Senior Leader MK Yogi, Member Committee Srinagar Tanveer Hussain Pathan, Mustakeem Ali, Afroza Khan and others.
