Srinagar, Nov 12 (PTI) Apni Party chief Altaf Bukhari on Thursday appealed to the Centre to grant a general amnesty to those involved in anti-national activities after getting influenced by circumstances in 1990.
Bukhari, a former minister, said he firmly believes that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have moved on and chosen the path of peace and normalcy.
"I earnestly appeal to the Government of India to consider granting a general amnesty to all those who, under the circumstances prevailing in the 1990s, were influenced by and became involved in anti-national activities," Bukhari told reporters here.
"Many of those who were once associated with anti-national narratives have since joined the mainstream. Even the children and grandchildren of some leaders who were at the forefront of those developments are now participating in mainstream politics," he said.
He said that the people have realised that lasting peace is the only way to secure a better and brighter future.
"This change in people's thinking must be reciprocated by the Government of India. It is time to extend the hand of reconciliation and ensure that the benefits of peace, stability and normalcy reach everyone, including those who may have taken the wrong path in the past," he added.
Referring to the incidents in Kulgam and Kishtwar, the Apni Party president said it must also be realised that J-K is a border region, where occasional incidents may occur.
"We cannot afford to wait for the last gun to fall silent before taking steps towards reconciliation and lasting peace. Our approach must be forward-looking and inclusive, taking everyone along in this journey.
"We must continue to strengthen peace and stability, create opportunities for reconciliation, and work collectively towards our ultimate goal of lasting peace, stability and normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir," he said.
