Srinagar, Nov 12 (JKNS): Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Thursday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to announce a general amnesty for people who became involved in the circumstances prevailing in Jammu and Kashmir since 1990, saying the people of the region have now chosen the path of peace and mainstream politics.
Addressing a press conference, as per news agency JKNS, Bukhari said that during the 1990s, many young people in Jammu and Kashmir had followed a particular slogan and movement which, he said, was never accepted by the country and was perceived as being against stability and sovereignty.
He observed that considerable time had passed since then and circumstances had changed significantly, with many of those who had initially led the movement subsequently joining mainstream politics.
“Today, we see that those who started that movement, most of them are in mainstream politics. Even their leaders, children and grandchildren are now trying to adopt the mainstream path,” Bukhari said.
In view of these changing circumstances, he appealed to the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister to bring all those who became involved in the developments since 1990 under the ambit of a general amnesty.
He said a large number of people had either remained incarcerated or were facing FIRs registered against them in connection with those circumstances, which continue to affect their lives and future prospects.
Bukhari pointed out that many such individuals were facing difficulties in obtaining police verification required for government jobs and passport clearances due to pending cases and FIRs.
He said the issue affected a sizeable section of society, including people who were now travelling and seeking opportunities for a better future.
“The people of Jammu and Kashmir have now chosen the path of peace. I request that a general amnesty be declared in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Bukhari said the proposed measure would provide an opportunity to move forward, keeping in view the changed political and social circumstances in the region. (JKNS)