Centre provides ‘Z+’ CRPF security cover to J-K’s Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari

New Delhi [India], April 5 (ANI): The Central Government has provided ‘Z+’ category armed Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) security to Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, former president of the People’s Democratic Party and head of the Jammu and Kashmir apni Party. Sources said.

The security was provided by the Ministry of Home Affairs following a recent security review meeting based on a threat assessment by intelligence agencies.

According to reports, former minister Altaf Bukhari (65), a businessman and politician, will be given round-the-clock ‘Z+’ security in Jammu and Kashmir.

Bukhari formed the J&K Apni Party (JKAP) as an alternative to regional parties like the National Conference (NC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Apni Party, comprising mainly legislators and former ministers, was founded in March 2020, eight months after the repeal of Articles 370 and 35A. Since then, nearly two dozen legislators from different parties have joined it.

In March 2020, all key leaders of the party met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah with a demand to protect land rights and jobs of the people of J&K.

Bukhari had said then that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shah appreciated the party’s efforts. Abni Party has been conducting series of rallies to influence the voters especially in Kashmir.

It had held a mega rally in Srinagar last year, considered the biggest in the Valley after August 5, 2019.

Although the Apni Party openly criticized the government for its anti-occupation drive, Bukhari had said he was ready to form an alliance with the BJP. (ANI)