Bukhari alleges land purchases by outsiders are changing Kashmir’s demographic debate

Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari has alleged that outsiders are purchasing land in Kashmir and said the ruling National Conference must be held accountable if demographic change takes place. Speaking at a public meeting in Srinagar on Sunday, Mr. Bukhari said the government was responsible for preventing attempts to alter the region’s demography.

He questioned how a Mumbai-based individual could purchase land for a hotel in Syedpora and how a Delhi-based company could acquire 150 kanals in Chatterhama Hazratbal. He alleged that such transactions were not permitted under Jammu and Kashmir’s existing domicile laws. The source material does not include a response from the government, the National Conference or the parties named in his claims.

Mr. Bukhari also criticised the National Conference over promises made during elections, including the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A and Statehood. He accused the party of failing to pursue its stated autonomy demand when it was in power.

He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to begin direct talks with people in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly young people, to address grievances and what he called a prevailing trust deficit. Mr. Bukhari also criticised continued disruptions and daily uproar in the J&K Assembly.

He said people expected initiatives on employment, detainees and promises including 200 units of free electricity and free gas cylinders. The Apni Party president left the Peoples Democratic Party and formed his own party after the abrogation of J&K’s special status in 2019, according to the source material.