Chief of newly-formed Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party, Altaf Bukhari met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday. Shah allayed fears of demographic changes in Jammu and Kashmir which many consider asa possibility following the abrgation of Article 370 last year.

Shah also assured for an early return of statehood. Emerging after a nearly two-hour-long meeting with the home minister, Bukhari, the former PDP leader who led a delegation of the party, said various issues, including apprehension of people of a possible demographic change, early restoration of statehood and release of political prisoners were discussed.

“The home minister made it clear that there was no question on the issue of any demographic change,” Bukhari said.

He said the home minister also reiterated that the government was committed for early restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and also said that the process of delimitation would be completed in the most scientific manner at the earliest.

The meeting came a day after the delegation had called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Met with a delegation from Jammu and Kashmir’s newly formed Apni Party led by Altaf Bukhari.

Met with a delegation from J&K’s newly formed Apni Party led by Shri Altaf Bukhari.

We held discussions at great length on series of topics and issues related to the peace and development of J&K region. PM @NarendraModi ji’s govt will leave no stone unturned to take J&K forward. pic.twitter.com/ndSGjJU2Lp

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 15, 2020

Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla and other senior officers were present at the meeting. During the meeting, the home minister also assured the delegation that the domicile rights of people would be protected, Bukhari said.

The JK Apni Party chief also raised various other issues, including autonomy of Jammu and Kashmir Bank, age relaxation of youths from union territory appearing in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exams, relief in horticulture and agriculture, besides the tourism sector.

The new party was formed on March 8 with many local politicians from parties like National Conference and People’s Democratic Party flocking. The development comes when many local leaders like Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti and Shah Faesal remain under detention.

However, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister  Farooq Abdullah was released on Friday after seven months of detention. The elected Member of Parliament was detained under the draconian Public Safety Act which was also revoked by the government on Friday.