By: Zafar Altaf Beigh
Srinagar, May 06: Apni Party President Altaf Bukhari made history on Monday by becoming the first top mainstream politician in the last three decades to enter the historic Jamia Mosque in old Srinagar.
Situated in Nowhatta, Srinagar’s old city, the Jamia Mosque was once a hotspot for stone-throwing protests. Despite its tumultuous past, thousands of people still gather here for prayers, especially on Fridays and major Islamic festivals, with the Friday prayers led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Kashmir’s chief cleric and Hurriyat chairman.
Bukhari visited the mosque while leading a roadshow in support of the Apni Party candidate Mohammad Ashraf Mir. Addressing reporters, Bukhari emphasised that his visit to Jamia should not be viewed as a political activity. He expressed reverence for the mosque, stating, “I have come to pay obeisance at the historic Jamia Masjid. This Masjid will remain here until the Day of Qayamat. In this revered place, we pledge to uphold the truth for as long as we live.”
Acknowledging Mirwaiz Umar’s influence as a religious preacher, Bukhari highlighted his commitment to non-violence and rejected the notion that Mirwaiz supported bloodshed. Bukhari attributed the changing atmosphere in Srinagar’s old city to the support and cooperation of its residents, particularly those in the downtown area.
Historically a stronghold of separatists, Srinagar’s old city has witnessed low voter turnout in elections since the 1990s due to boycott calls by separatist leaders. However, with no poll boycott call this time, there are indications of improved voter turnout in the upcoming polls.
Several political parties, including the National Conference and Peoples Democratic Party, have recently held poll events in the old city, signaling increased political activity in the region.
The polling in Srinagar is scheduled for May 13, and political parties anticipate a decent turnout across Kashmir, including in Srinagar’s old city. In the 2019 parliamentary Lok Sabha polls, Srinagar saw a turnout of 14.43 per cent, but this time, there is optimism for higher participation fueled by a shift in political dynamics and the absence of a boycott call.
