File photo: PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti
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. The remark was interpreted differently.”While talking to reporters at Jantar Mantar on July 23 during the CJP protest, Mehbooba is heard saying in a widely circulated video: “We have seen this (use of force against protesters) for the first time in Delhi. We have witnessed it in Kashmir for many years. Magar wahan militancy hai, uska ek banta hai (But militancy exists there, so it is understandable).”With Omar lapping up the remark and accusing her of supporting the repression of Kashmiris, the former J&K chief minister clarified she meant to say ‘bahana’ (excuse) banta hai, but in a slip of tongue, said “banta hai”. “The video circulating is genuine, but the meaning being attributed to my words is not,” she said.NC, however, rejected her apology and clarification. “The only appropriate response is a clear and unconditional apology to every Kashmiri who was hurt, especially the victims of pellet injuries,” party spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said.“Also, apologise for your alliance with BJP and for bringing them to power in Jammu & Kashmir. Everything else said today was simply an attempt to divert attention from your original remarks,” he added.
