Mehbooba Mufti Apologises Over Jantar Mantar Remarks, Reaffirms PDP’s Article 370 Agenda
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday apologised for her controversial remarks made at Jantar Mantar, saying her words had been misunderstood and expressing regret if they had hurt the sentiments of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Speaking at the PDP headquarters on the party’s 27th Foundation Day, Mufti also reaffirmed the party’s long-standing political agenda, including the restoration of Article 370, Article 35A, statehood for Jammu and Kashmir, dialogue on the Kashmir issue, and the reopening of cross-Line of Control (LoC) trade and travel routes.
‘If My Words Hurt Anyone, I Sincerely Apologise’
Responding to the controversy over her remarks at Jantar Mantar, Mehbooba Mufti said she had attended the protest at the request of Kashmiri students studying outside Jammu and Kashmir.
She explained that while discussing militancy, she had used the word “bahana” (excuse) to convey that militancy often becomes an excuse for actions against ordinary people.
Mufti maintained that the video circulating on social media was genuine but said one phrase had been interpreted differently from what she intended.
“If my words, or the fact that my statement remained incomplete, caused pain or hurt the sentiments of my people, then I sincerely apologise.”
She added that the people of Jammu and Kashmir had always trusted her and that even a small mistake on her part could cause disappointment.
PDP Reaffirms Core Political Agenda
Reading out the resolutions adopted by the party, Mufti said the PDP would continue pursuing the vision of its founder, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, based on the principles of “Peace with Dignity,” dialogue, reconciliation and confidence-building.
She said the party remained committed to:
- Restoration of Article 370
- Restoration of Article 35A
- Restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood
- Peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue
- Protection of Jammu and Kashmir’s identity
📊 PDP’s Major Demands
| Demand | PDP’s Position |
|---|---|
| Article 370 | Restoration |
| Article 35A | Restoration |
| Statehood | Immediate restoration |
| Cross-LoC trade | Reopen routes |
| Political detainees | Review and release eligible cases |
| August 5 protests | Peaceful demonstrations across J&K |
Calls for Dialogue and Cross-LoC Trade
Mufti reiterated the PDP’s demand for the reopening of cross-LoC travel and trade routes, including the Muzaffarabad and Rawalakot routes.
She also urged the Centre to facilitate the opening of the Sharada Peeth shrine in Pakistan-administered Kashmir for Kashmiri Pandit pilgrims.
According to Mufti, dialogue and confidence-building measures remain essential for achieving lasting peace.
Demands Review of Political Detentions
The PDP president called for a review of cases involving political detainees and undertrials booked under the Public Safety Act (PSA) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
She argued that individuals whose guilt had not been established in court should be granted bail.
Mufti also called for reducing the deployment of security forces in areas where militancy has significantly declined.
Raises Issues of Power Projects and Employment
During the press conference, Mufti accused the government of allowing Jammu and Kashmir’s natural resources to benefit outside contractors while local residents continued to face high electricity costs.
She demanded either greater compensation or the transfer of at least two major hydroelectric power projects to Jammu and Kashmir.
The PDP chief also reiterated support for:
- A separate administrative division for the Pir Panjal region.
- The dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits.
- Fair utilisation of Jammu and Kashmir’s natural resources.
August 5 Protests Announced
Referring to the constitutional changes of 5 August 2019, Mehbooba Mufti announced that the PDP would organise peaceful protests across Jammu and Kashmir on 5 August.
She said party workers in every district would hold demonstrations demanding the restoration of Article 370, Article 35A and a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue.
Speaks About Personal Challenges
Mufti also spoke about what she described as the personal and political costs of raising Kashmir-related issues.
She alleged that members of her family had faced official scrutiny and maintained that despite these challenges, she had continued to represent the interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
She said her political standing had come from public support rather than family inheritance.
