Srinagar, Jan 22 (KNS): Apni Party President Altaf Bukhari has expressed serious concern over the regional disparity in the shortlisted candidates for the Civil Services (Judicial) Mains Examination, stating that only 13 out of 124 selected are from the Kashmir Valley, with the remaining 111 hailing from the Jammu division.
In a post on social media platform X, Bukhari asserted that Valley-based candidates who were not shortlisted have "rightly alleged serious irregularities and a lack of transparency" in the examination results. He argued that the "stark regional imbalance" warrants a fair and impartial investigation, and these concerns "cannot be dismissed."
Bukhari contextualised the issue within a broader climate of polarisation, alleging that during the 2024 Assembly elections, two political parties actively divided Jammu and the Valley along religious lines. He accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of communalising discourse in Jammu and the National Conference (NC) of responding similarly in the Valley. While both parties benefited electorally, he stated, the "ultimate cost was borne by the secular fabric and social harmony of Jammu and Kashmir as a whole.
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He further claimed the situation has deteriorated, citing the recent controversy at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) in Katra. Bukhari alleged that the merit-based MBBS selection process there was communalised, accusing the BJP of using its influence to revoke the course's permission to prevent Muslim students from studying at the institution—an action he said "damaged the larger cause and public interest."
"It now appears that the Civil Services (Judicial) Mains Examination is also being subjected to communal considerations, as the disproportionate ratio of shortlisted candidates raises serious doubts," Bukhari contended.
Calling for immediate action, he urged that "the only responsible course is to keep the results in abeyance and initiate a transparent, independent inquiry." He appealed directly to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to ensure the results are held until a thorough investigation is completed. (KNS)