Says Viral Video Is Authentic, Clarifies Statement Was Misunderstood; Reaffirms Lifelong Commitment to Protecting Jammu & Kashmir’s Interests
Srinagar, July 28 :
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday expressed regret over her recent remarks made at Jantar Mantar, saying that if her words had hurt the sentiments of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, she sincerely apologised.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Mehbooba Mufti clarified that the viral video of her Jantar Mantar remarks circulating on social media was genuine and rejected claims that she had ever described it as fake or AI-generated. She said a particular word had inadvertently slipped during her interaction with journalists, resulting in misunderstanding and unnecessary controversy.
She maintained that her statement was made in the course of a hurried media interaction and was subsequently taken out of context. According to Mehbooba, there was never any intention to mislead the public or hurt the sentiments of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Reflecting on her political career, the PDP chief said she has dedicated nearly three decades of her life to public service without seeking personal gains. She added that the greatest achievement of her political journey has been the trust, affection, and confidence reposed in her by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“If my words have hurt the sentiments of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, I sincerely apologise. The people of J&K are my own, and if they have been pained because of my remarks, I deeply regret it,” Mehbooba Mufti said.
The former Chief Minister also alleged that her political opponents were attempting to derive political mileage from the controversy by deliberately twisting her remarks and presenting them in a misleading manner to damage her credibility and public image.
Referring to the political developments following August 2019, Mehbooba said she and her family had faced immense political and personal challenges, yet she never wavered from raising her voice for the rights, dignity, and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Reaffirming her commitment to the region, Mehbooba Mufti said her political struggle has always been focused on safeguarding the interests of Jammu and Kashmir and working for the welfare, dignity, and aspirations of its people, asserting that she would continue to stand with the people despite political challenges and controversies.(KNC)