Srinagar, July 30: In a significant political development in Jammu and Kashmir, senior National Conference (NC) leader and former two-time MLA from the Hazratbal constituency, Mohammad Syed Akhoon, on Thursday joined the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party.

Akhoon was formally welcomed into the party by Apni Party President Mohammad Altaf Bukhari during a joining ceremony in Srinagar. Bukhari described Akhoon as a seasoned leader known for his public service and said his experience would strengthen the party. He reiterated that the Apni Party is committed to representing the aspirations, rights, peace and development of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking after joining the party, Akhoon expressed confidence in the Apni Party’s leadership and said he had remained loyal to the National Conference even during its most difficult times. He alleged that following the demise of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, Dr. Farooq Abdullah was not the appropriate choice for the post of Chief Minister and claimed that the Congress leadership in New Delhi had played a role in the political developments of that period.

Akhoon also questioned Omar Abdullah’s elevation as the party’s Vice President and his subsequent selection as Chief Minister. He said he joined the Apni Party with the aim of serving the people, promoting peace, ensuring development and providing better governance.

Mohammad Syed Akhoon represented the Hazratbal constituency in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly after winning elections on the National Conference ticket in 1996 and again in 2002. He is regarded as one of the senior political leaders in the Kashmir Valley.