Abdullah Slams Mufti Over Jantar Mantar Remarks, Demands Apology for Force Justification

Controversy Over 'Justified' Force in the Valley

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah issued a sharp rebuke on Monday, July 27, 2026, targeting People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti for recent comments made during her trip to New Delhi. Addressing reporters outside his private office, Abdullah characterized Mufti's remarks at Jantar Mantar as irresponsible, noting that her defense of heavy-handed security measures in Kashmir undermines the democratic right of ordinary citizens to protest.

The friction stems from Mufti’s July 23 appearance at a student-led demonstration against examination irregularities. While condemning police actions against students in the capital, Mufti appeared to differentiate the use of force in Jammu and Kashmir, citing the ongoing fight against militancy as a justification for past security tactics, including the use of pellet guns. Abdullah questioned the logic of this stance, asking if militancy should negate the pursuit of justice for children, the issuance of passports, or the fair implementation of the law.

The Impact of Political Rhetoric on Public Mobilization

The Chief Minister argued that when prominent leaders validate state oppression, it serves as a deterrent to public participation in movements for political restoration. Abdullah highlighted that Mufti failed to attend National Conference protests for statehood at Jantar Mantar, yet she chose to use that same platform to normalize the misuse of power against her own constituents.

• Strategic Inconsistency: Abdullah accused the PDP leader of maintaining a habit of speaking in different tones depending on her audience, suggesting she was trying to appease interests in Delhi while ignoring the ground reality in Kashmir.
• AI Claims Rejected: The National Conference leader dismissed PDP claims that artificial intelligence was used to manipulate the footage of Mufti's speech. Abdullah labeled the defense as an insult to public intelligence, urging the former Chief Minister to admit her error rather than deflect.
• Historical Accountability: The CM noted that Mufti has yet to apologize for the 2015 alliance with the BJP or the unrest of 2016, suggesting her current rhetoric continues a pattern of harmful leadership.

Concerns Over Mass Detentions and Security Strategy

The debate comes amid heightened tensions following the recent killing of a policeman in Anantnag. Abdullah criticized the subsequent mass detentions, warning that the harassment of civilians is counterproductive to ending militancy. He revealed that approximately 2,500 individuals have been detained, a move he calculates has alienated at least 15,000 people when considering their immediate families.

Abdullah maintained that the final stages of eliminating militancy require the genuine support of the populace. He argued that the continuous cycle of arresting residents and demolishing homes prevents the government from gaining the necessary public trust. Furthermore, he noted that Mufti’s justification for these tactics in the national capital makes it difficult for local leaders to effectively challenge central policies.

On the separate matter of Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation as Union Education Minister, Abdullah attributed the development solely to the perseverance of students. While others may seek credit for the political shift, he asserted that the students' refusal to back down was the only factor that forced accountability, even if the resignation arrived later than expected.

Source: The Hindu — Home