SRINAGAR: Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Wednesday said the rights that Jammu and Kashmir lost following the constitutional changes of August 5, 2019, could not be restored through protests or confrontation but only through dialogue, consultation and a clear roadmap. Addressing reporters after a joining programme at the party headquarters in Srinagar, Bukhari said August 5 would continue to be remembered as a “dark day” for Jammu and Kashmir until the rights of its people were restored. On the 2024 Assembly elections, Bukhari alleged that the BJP had sought votes in the Jammu region on religious lines. Among those who joined the Apni Party were Mohammad Ramzan Malik, Irshad Ahmad Ganai, Javaid Mohammad Mir, Mohammad Hussain Wandru, Mubashir Ahad Wani, Hilal Ahmad Sheikh, Firdous Ahmad Mir and Rifaz Ahmad Lone, along with their supporters. Several senior party leaders, including Ghulam Hassan Mir, Rafi Ahmad Mir, Muntazir Mohiudin, Farooq Andrabi, Yawar Dilawar Mir and other office-bearers, were present at the event.