Srinagar, July 30: In a significant political development in Jammu and Kashmir, senior National Conference (NC) leader and former two-time MLA from the Hazratbal constituency, Mohammad Syed Akhoon, on Thursday joined the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party. He was formally welcomed into the party by its President, Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, during a joining ceremony in Srinagar.
Addressing the gathering, Altaf Bukhari said that Mohammad Syed Akhoon is widely known for his selfless service to the people and that his vast political experience would be a valuable asset to the party. He said the Apni Party is not the party of any individual or family but a political platform that represents the aspirations, rights and development of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking on the occasion, Mohammad Syed Akhoon expressed full confidence in the leadership of the Apni Party and said that he had remained loyal to the National Conference even during its most difficult times. He claimed that following the demise of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, Dr. Farooq Abdullah was not a suitable choice for the post of Chief Minister and alleged that the Congress leadership in New Delhi was involved in a political conspiracy during that period.
Akhoon also questioned Omar Abdullah’s elevation to the post of party Vice President and his selection as Chief Minister. He said he had joined the Apni Party with the objective of serving the public interest, promoting peace, ensuring development and providing better governance. He expressed confidence that the Apni Party genuinely represents the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Mohammad Syed Akhoon was elected to the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly from the Hazratbal constituency on the National Conference ticket in 1996 and was re-elected from the same constituency in 2002. He is regarded as one of the senior political leaders of the Kashmir Valley.
