Mehbooba Mufti’s ‘Aik Banta Hai’ Remark Sparks Political Storm Over 2016 Kashmir Unrest
Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has come under sharp criticism following remarks made during a protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, where she drew comparisons between police action in Delhi and the security situation in Kashmir. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Speaking to students protesting over the alleged NEET paper leak, Mehbooba said that Kashmir had faced militancy and suggested that security forces there were dealing with a different situation. A phrase from her speech, “Aik Banta Hai”, quickly became the focus of political debate, with critics claiming it appeared to justify the use of force against Kashmiri protesters during the 2016 unrest.
The comments have reopened memories of one of Kashmir’s most controversial periods, marked by widespread protests, pellet injuries and civilian deaths during the PDP-BJP coalition government led by Mehbooba Mufti.
National Conference Demands Apology
The ruling National Conference (NC) strongly criticised the remarks and demanded an apology from the former chief minister.
NC leader and Zadibal MLA Tanvir Sadiq questioned whether peaceful protesters should be linked to militancy.
He argued that those protesting over reservation policies or demanding basic public services could not be described as militants and said Mehbooba owed the people of Jammu and Kashmir an immediate apology.
NC spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar also criticised the remarks, accusing Mehbooba of appearing to justify force against Kashmiri protesters, including young people.
Apni Party and AIP Also Criticise Remarks
Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said the statement lowered the standard of political discourse and undermined the suffering of families affected during the 2016 unrest.
Bukhari also referred to Mehbooba’s previous controversial remarks regarding the killing of Kashmiri children, saying the latest comments had revived painful memories.
The Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) accused Mehbooba of political hypocrisy, arguing that while she criticised police action against students in Delhi, she appeared to defend the actions taken against Kashmiri youth during her own tenure.
Social Media Divided
The controversy quickly spread across social media, where short video clips focusing only on the phrase “banta hai” were widely shared by critics.
Supporters, however, circulated longer versions of the speech, arguing that Mehbooba was explaining the difference between counter-insurgency operations and routine policing rather than defending violence against civilians.
The differing interpretations fuelled a broader debate over the context of her remarks.
Political Impact
Political observers say the controversy once again highlights the challenge facing the PDP.
Since the constitutional changes of 2019, Mehbooba Mufti has positioned herself as a strong critic of the Centre’s policies in Jammu and Kashmir. However, her political opponents continue to remind voters of the PDP’s alliance with the BJP and the events of 2016 whenever such controversies arise.
The latest row shows how a single phrase can dominate political discussion in Kashmir, where memories of the 2016 unrest remain deeply emotional and continue to influence public opinion.
Key Highlights
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Controversy | Mehbooba Mufti’s “Aik Banta Hai” remark during Delhi protest |
| Location of Speech | Jantar Mantar, New Delhi |
| Political Reaction | NC, Apni Party and AIP criticised the remarks |
| Main Demand | Opposition leaders called for an apology |
| Supporters’ View | Remarks were taken out of context and referred to militancy, not civilians |
| Political Significance | Revives debate over the 2016 Kashmir unrest and the PDP-BJP coalition |
