Srinagar, Jan 07: Affirming their unwavering dedication to elevating Jammu and Kashmir to new heights of peace, prosperity and development, leaders of the Apni Party on Sunday said their commitment lies in fostering the economic and political empowerment of the region, aiming to lift the populace out of the prevailing uncertainty and challenging conditions.

According to a press release issued here, the Apni Party leaders, prominently its General Secretary Rafi Ahmad Mir, Provincial President Mohammad Ashraf Mir, and the party's senior leader and former Mayor of Srinagar Junaid Azim Mattu, addressed a workers’ convention at Soiteng area in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk constituency today.

In his speech, Rafi Ahmad Mir said the people of Jammu and Kashmir have constantly been subjected to suffering and deprivation due to the deceptive politics of the regional parties and their leaders. He explained his views, saying, “Following the prolonged struggle against autocracy, when Jammu and Kashmir gained liberation from Dogra rulers, they got trapped in the exploitative politics of local leaders who established a dynastic rule here.”

“The leaders who emerged in Jammu and Kashmir over the last seven decades solidified their family dominance by engaging the populace in emotional sloganeering, misleading political narratives, and false promises, to attain and retain power for themselves. The deceptive narrative by these so-called leaders has resulted in thousands of youth either landing in jails or graveyards over the past thirty years. Even today, thousands of our youngsters are behind bars. We must put an end to the exploitation by these traditional parties,” he added.

Mir promised that the Apni Party would put an end to political exploitation in Jammu and Kashmir and lead the region to new heights of prosperity and development. 

Addressing the gathering, Mohammad Ashraf Mir said that the ApniParty is dedicated to serving the people and addressing their grievances. “Unlike conventional parties, we do not believe in fake promises and misleading narratives. We are committed to the politics of truthfulness. Therefore, we will not promise you the moon and the stars; rather, we will promise only what we believe is achievable—to ensure peace, prosperity, and development in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

In his address, Junaid Azim Mattu appealed to the audience to throw their support behind the Apni Party, enabling it to execute its clear-cut agenda and policies aimed at the welfare of the people. He emphasised, “Most of the leaders and workers within the Apni Party have personally endured the exploitation perpetuated by conventional political parties. They are well aware of how these traditional entities manipulate the mandate solely for their own political advantages."

“I appeal to all of you to lend your support to the Apni Party and liberate yourselves from the years of exploitation. Our agenda is unequivocal — we are dedicated to fostering lasting peace, sustained prosperity, and inclusive development throughout Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.