In a significant and unprecedented move, Apni Party President Altaf Bukhari broke the three-decade-long trend by becoming the first mainstream politician to step inside the historic Jamia Mosque in old Srinagar.
Jamia Mosque, nestled in the heart of Nowhatta in Srinagar’s ancient quarters, once served as a focal point for stone-throwing protests. Drawing crowds of thousands, particularly on Fridays and during major Islamic festivities, the mosque’s Friday prayers are traditionally led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Kashmir’s chief cleric and Hurriyat chairman.
Bukhari’s visit to the mosque coincided with his roadshow in the old city, campaigning for the Apni Party candidate Mohammad Asharf Mir. Clarifying his intent, Bukhari emphasized that his mosque visit wasn’t driven by political motives, 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 influential role as a religious leader, Bukhari praised his stance against violence, debunking narratives of political leaders equating elections with referendums. “I think Mirwaiz never believed in violence. It was a baseless narrative. Bloodshed has never brought happiness. His family has suffered violence since 1947,” Bukhari remarked.
Bukhari’s roadshow, commencing from Dastageer Sahab shrine in Khanyar, received substantial local support. He credited the residents of downtown Srinagar for fostering a peaceful atmosphere conducive to his visit.
The old city of Srinagar, long considered a separatist stronghold, witnessed historically low voter turnouts due to boycott calls in past elections. However, with no boycott call this time, signs indicate a potential surge in voter participation. Several political parties, including the National Conference and Peoples Democratic Party, have intensified campaign efforts in the area ahead of the scheduled May 13 polling.
Reflecting on past electoral trends, the 2019 parliamentary Lok Sabha polls in Srinagar recorded a turnout of merely 14.43 percent. However, with changing dynamics and renewed engagement from political stakeholders, expectations are high for a more substantial turnout, especially in Srinagar’s old city, signaling a potential shift in the political landscape of the region.