Several political parties on Tuesday criticized the government for rechristening public places and landmarks in J&K. Jammu Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) President Altaf Bukhari took a strong exception to the priorities of the government, saying instead of rechristening names, the focus should have been on addressing sufferings of people. Referring to the decision of J&K administration to drop “Sher-i-Kashmir”, from name of government-owned Convention Centre, Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre and renaming it as Kashmir International Conference Centre, Bukhari said by changing names, the priorities of government seem less about day-to-day difficulties faced by people. “Rather than expending on renaming sign boards of buildings, historical roads and tunnels, the government could have explored means to release pending salaries of daily wagers in J&K,” Bukhari said. Taking serious note of “unabated moves to “wipe out legacy of Quit Kashmir Movement” and its leadership, the CPI (M) said it was a “brazen attack” on the history of J&K and to undermine contribution of leadership led by Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah.
