Srinagar, July 27 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday criticised People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti over her reported remarks at Jantar Mantar, accusing her of adopting “double standards” and rejecting her claim that a viral video of the event was generated using Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Abdullah said the PDP chief should explain the remarks attributed to her instead of dismissing the controversy by alleging that the video was AI-generated.
He said any statement appearing to justify the use of force, arrests or denial of rights in Jammu and Kashmir on the grounds of militancy was unacceptable.
Questioning such reasoning, the chief minister said militancy cannot be used to deny justice, restrict passports or justify excessive action against people. He said the law must be applied fairly and citizens’ rights should be protected.
Abdullah also alleged that some political leaders maintain one stand in Jammu and Kashmir and another in the national capital, saying that if the remarks had caused public hurt, an apology would have been more appropriate.
Rejecting the AI claim, he said the event was covered by several media organisations and the footage showed journalists and television cameras, making it difficult to accept the allegation that the video was fabricated.
The chief minister further referred to the PDP’s past political decisions, including its alliance with the BJP in 2015, and said no apology had been offered over those developments.
He also said such remarks could discourage people from raising democratic demands, including the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, and urged political leaders to exercise responsibility while speaking on issues concerning the people.(NVI)
