Srinagar, July 27 (JKNS): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday launched a sharp attack on PDP President Mehbooba Mufti over her reported remarks at Jantar Mantar, accusing her of adopting double standards and attempting to justify controversial statements by later claiming they were generated through Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Speaking to reporters at the Rabta Office in Srinagar, Omar Abdullah, as per news agency JKNS, said the explanation offered after the controversy was unacceptable and raised serious questions about the stand taken by the PDP leadership.
Referring to the Jantar Mantar event, Omar said the reasons behind those remarks should be explained by those who made them. He said statements appearing to justify the use of force, arrests and other actions in Jammu and Kashmir on the grounds of militancy were deeply disturbing.
He questioned how the presence of militancy could justify denial of justice, restrictions on passports or the use of excessive force against people. “If there is militancy, does that mean laws should not be enforced fairly? Does it mean children should not get justice or that people’s rights can be denied?” he asked.
The Chief Minister said there had been an old political habit of maintaining one stand in Jammu and Kashmir and another in Delhi. He said that if any statement had caused hurt, the appropriate course would have been to acknowledge the mistake and apologise sincerely.
Criticising the AI explanation, Omar said multiple media organisations had covered the event and the video clearly showed microphones and cameras from various news outlets. “Now people are being told that the video is AI-generated. Are people here so naive to believe that?” he said.
He said instead of accepting responsibility, attempts were being made to “sprinkle more salt on the wounds” by dismissing the video as fabricated.
Omar also recalled previous political decisions, including the PDP’s alliance with the BJP in 2015 and the events of 2016, saying no apology or regret had ever been expressed over those developments.
The Chief Minister further said such remarks could discourage people from raising democratic demands, including the demand for restoration of statehood. “If those in responsible positions justify suppression of protests, who will come forward tomorrow to raise their voice for their rights?” he said.
He termed the entire episode unfortunate and said public leaders should exercise greater responsibility while making statements on issues concerning the people of Jammu and Kashmir. (JKNS)