The manifesto of the BJP’s alleged proxy, Altaf Bukhari’s Apni Party, has vowed to strive for constitutional guarantees similar to the provisions of Article 371 for Jammu and Kashmir amid desertions by its senior leaders.

Article 371 has provision for setting aside jobs and land for locals.

The Apni Party’s poll pledge comes two days after the National Conference, in its manifesto, vowed to fight for the restoration of pre-1953 status for Jammu and Kashmir, a quasi-Independence position that will only leave defence, foreign affairs, currency and communications with the Centre. The NC also vowed to fight for the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A.

More Kashmir-based parties are likely to follow suit, in a brazen display of contempt for the BJP-led government’s decision to scrap the special status. It also shows how such slogans have not lost their currency here.

The Apni Party manifesto said it would press for constitutional guarantees to preserve the culture and special identity of Jammu and Kashmir, similar to the provisions of Article 371 in some northeastern states.

“This includes land and job protection, addressing the people’s sense of loss,” said Apni Party general secretary Rafi Ahmad Mir.

The party also promised to strive for the restoration of statehood and constitutional guarantees to preserve the special identity of Jammu and Kashmir by revisiting and restoring laws that were withdrawn after the abrogation of Article 370.

“We will work tirelessly to restore statehood, as promised by the home minister on August 5, 2019,” said Mir.

He also sought the release of Kashmiri prisoners arrested for their alleged involvement in the 2016 summer agitation over the killing of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani and the withdrawal of cases against them.

“The Apni Party will leave no stone unturned to secure the early release of detainees not involved in heinous crimes. We will ensure establishing a fast-track board to review and dispose of cases for those languishing in jails under the Public Safety Act even after their imprisonment terms have expired,” he said.

“Cases against teenagers detained in the summer of 2016, now adults, will also be withdrawn to enable them to pursue government jobs without hindrance. Apni Party will ensure one-time amnesty for all the detainees with a cut-off date ending August 2025 on the production of an affidavit attested from the court,” Mir said.

The Apni Party was floated with Delhi’s “blessing” by Bukhari months after the Centre abrogated Article 370 in August 2019 to acquiesce to the changes and support the government narrative. Most of its leaders shifted from the Peoples Democratic Party, which faced the brunt of Delhi’s crackdown.