Mendhar, July 15: Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari on Wednesday said his party has not supported the National Conference's proposed “Delhi Chalo” protest at Jantar Mantar, maintaining that the programme was a decision of the ruling party and did not emerge from a wider political consensus in Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking to reporters in Mendhar, Bukhari said the Apni Party would discuss the matter during a meeting on July 18 before deciding whether to support or join the protest.

He said the Jantar Mantar demonstration was an initiative of the National Conference and not a consensus-based decision. In a lighter remark, he added that his party would “pray for them.”

The National Conference is preparing to lead the protest in New Delhi to press for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, while other political parties continue to formulate their own positions on the issue.

Bukhari also highlighted the problems facing the Pir Panjal region, including poor road connectivity, inadequate drinking water facilities and a lack of basic infrastructure despite repeated assurances.

He called upon the Union Government, particularly Union Home Minister Amit Shah, to speed up the construction of bunkers in border villages, stating that residents living near the Line of Control continue to face security concerns.

On Article 370, Bukhari said the issue carries deep emotional significance for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. However, he stressed that the immediate priority should be securing constitutional safeguards for land, jobs and the region's distinct socio-cultural identity.

He said such constitutional protections would help address public aspirations and safeguard the economic and social interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.