Jammu And Kashmir: Former PDP Leader Altaf Bukhari Launches New Political Outfit ‘Apni Party’ In Valley

In an major development, Altaf Bukhari, a former minister from Mehbooba Mufti-led People's Democratic Party (PDP) today (8 March) launched a new political party called Apni Party in the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), reports Times of India.

The party has been launched with 30 members which include 22-23 former legislators and ministers from various parties including Mufti's PDP, Farooq Abdullah-led National Conference (NC) and Congress party.

Former PDP MLAs who are a member of Apni Party include Dilawar Mir, Noor Mohammad Sheikh, Yawar Mir and Zafal Iqbal Manhas. Party also has former Congress party members Usman Majeed, Aijaz Khan, Mumtaz Khan and Shoaib Nabi Lone. Meanwhile, the party also includes Vijay Bakaya, Syed Asgar Ali and Kamal Arora from NC.

Announcing the launch of the new party in J&K, its president Bukhari said that the occasion was a happy one. He also added, "It puts a lot of responsibility on us as the expectations and challenges are huge. I assure people of J&K that my will is strong to surmount these challenges in the interest of my people."

"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 especially on the occasion of International Women’s Day.