Image Source: TRIBUNE

Vowing to fight for the restoration of J&K’s statehood, former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Altaf Bukhari on Sunday launched the Jammu Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) — a major political development post abrogation of Article 370.

Bukhari, who has been elected as JKAP president, was joined by over 30 members, including former ministers, legislators and leaders from the Congress, National Conference, PDP and some smaller parties.

JKAP seems to be an attempt to create a political alternative to the NC and the PDP whose leaders — Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, and Mehbooba Mufti — are under detention since August 5. In an apparent reference to the NC and the PDP, Bukhari said, “It will be a party with a difference. It will not behave like dynastic parties and the president of the party will be elected on a rotational basis.”