started · updated
Mehbooba Mufti apologises for Jantar Mantar remarks on pellet guns
Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti said she apologises to the people of Jammu and Kashmir for the remarks she made at a protest at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. She explained that a single word – “bahana” – was unintentionally omitted from her statement, turning the phrase “bahana banta hai security forces ka rakhne ka” into a justification of force. Mufti called the omission a “slip of the tongue” and stressed that the viral video of her comments was genuine and not generated using artificial intelligence.
The apology came after strong criticism from Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who demanded a full apology, and from the National Conference, which accused Mufti of defending the use of pellet guns during the 2016 unrest. Mufti said she expressed regret for any hurt caused and clarified that her original intent was to highlight the security forces’ challenges in a militant‑affected valley, not to endorse violence.
Mufti made the comments while supporting a student protest against alleged examination irregularities at Jantar Mantar, and the controversy continues to dominate regional political discourse.
Entities
Azam Khan · Jammu and Kashmir · Jantar Mantar · Mehbooba Mufti · Mohammad Ali Jauhar University · National Conference · Omar Abdullah · Yogi Adityanath
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Mufti said the use of pellet guns in Kashmir was justified because of militancy (“banta hai”). www.newindianexpress.com · www.news18.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Opposition parties demanded an apology and accused Mufti of justifying force against Kashmiri protesters. www.newindianexpress.com · www.news18.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Rampur Development Authority ordered demolition of 38 of 40 buildings at Jauhar University for lacking plan approvals.
- [● 4 SOURCES] Mehbooba Mufti apologized to the people of Jammu and Kashmir for her Jantar Mantar remarks. tennews.in · www.mangalorean.com · www.newindianexpress.com · www.news18.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] PDP announced peaceful protests across district headquarters in Jammu and Kashmir on August 5 for restoration of Article 370 and 35A. www.en.etemaaddaily.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Mufti condemned Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s demolition order of 38 buildings at Mohammad Ali Jauhar University, calling it hatred and vengeance.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Mufti said the viral video of her Jantar Mantar remarks was not altered with artificial intelligence. tennews.in · www.mangalorean.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] She omitted the phrase “bahana banta hai security forces ka rakhne ka” from her Jantar Mantar comments. tennews.in · www.mangalorean.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] She denied that the viral video of her Jantar Mantar remarks was manipulated using artificial intelligence. indias.news · tennews.in · www.mangalorean.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] National Conference demanded an apology and accused Mehbooba Mufti of justifying force against Kashmiri protesters. www.newindianexpress.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Mufti condemned the demolition order of 38 buildings at Mohammad Ali Jauhar University, calling it hatred and vengeance.
- [● 3 SOURCES] She said she unintentionally omitted the phrase “bahana banta hai security forces ka rakhne ka” from her statement. indias.news · tennews.in · www.timesnownews.com