Srinagar, Jul 28 (KNS): Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Tuesday strongly criticised Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti over her controversial remark, stating that whether uttered intentionally or not, the words were deeply hurtful and appeared to justify violence against Kashmiri protesters.
In a post on X, Altaf Bukhari said Mehbooba Mufti's statement—"Kashmir mein toh banta hai"—was offensive and insensitive. He noted that it was "good that she eventually recognised the gravity of her remark and offered an apology."
The Apni Party chief also welcomed Mufti's acknowledgment that the video of her remark was not AI-generated, contrary to claims made by some of her party leaders who had attempted to cover up the blunder.
The controversy erupted after Mehbooba made the remarks at a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, drawing sharp criticism from across the political spectrum in Jammu and Kashmir. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had also demanded an unconditional apology from the PDP chief, accusing her of adopting different narratives in Kashmir and Delhi.
Altaf Bukhari's remarks come amid heightened political tensions over the issue, with opposition parties demanding a clear stance on the matter. (KNS)