'I regret it': Mehbooba Mufti claims Jantar Mantar remark a slip of tongue, apologises
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti has apologized for a controversial remark made at Jantar Mantar, claiming she misspoke when she appeared to justify the use of force in Kashmir. Her political rivals, including the National Conference, have rejected the apology, accusing her of insincerity.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the volatile political climate in Jammu and Kashmir and the ongoing tensions between regional political parties.
SRINAGAR: Under fire for her Jantar Mantar remark that appeared to justify the use of force in Kashmir on grounds of “militancy”, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti Tuesday apologised, but claimed it was a slip of tongue and accused governing NC and chief minister Omar Abdullah of deliberately misinterpreting her comment.“If my words have hurt or upset my people, who consider me one of their own and often hold me accountable even over small matters, then I sincerely apologise,” Mehbooba said. “If they have been hurt by my statement, I regret it.”Explaining the controversial remark, she said: “One clip from my interaction, in which I used the word ‘banta hai’ (understandable) while referring to militancy, went viral. I said that in haste.
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