Srinagar, Jul 28 (KNO): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said those who claimed for the past five days that Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti’s controversial video was AI-generated should also express regret after she herself acknowledged the remarks were made by her.
He said there is a clear distinction between expressing regret and apologising and also questioned a PDP MLA's stand on the issue.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Mega Job Fair at Amar Singh College here, Omar, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said Mehbooba Mufti’s statement could not be termed an apology.
“When someone says ‘if anyone was hurt’, it is not an apology. There is a difference between regret and forgiveness,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the bigger question was about those who spent five days claiming the controversial video was AI-generated.
“For five days people were told it was AI. Today their own party president admitted she herself made those remarks. Those who misled the people should answer for it.”
Taking a swipe at a PDP MLA, Omar said the party’s own president had disproved the AI claim. “Her own party president has exposed that claim. He kept saying for five days that it was AI-generated, but today Mehbooba Ji herself has admitted there was no AI. Those people should also express regret. Even if they don’t apologise, they should at least express regret," he said.
Highlighting the outcome of the Mega Job Fair, CM Abdullah said around 5,300 youth had registered for the event, with nearly 470 receiving on-the-spot job offers while another 430 were shortlisted for further interviews.
“If the shortlisted candidates are also selected, around 900 youth will get jobs. It is a significant achievement. We hope more such Mega Job Fairs are organised as our continuous effort is to reduce unemployment in Jammu and Kashmir," he said.
The CM said more than 60 recruiting companies from Jammu and Kashmir, other parts of the country and firms with overseas offices participated in the event, creating employment opportunities for local youth.
On the National Testing Agency (NTA) Bill introduced in Parliament, the Chief Minister welcomed the move and said it was the students’ protests that had pushed the Centre to strengthen the examination system. “If the examination system improves because of the students’ protest, it is a positive outcome. Let Parliament pass the Bill," he said.
Responding to the PDP’s proposed August 5 protest seeking restoration of Article 370, Omar said the party itself was responsible for the present political situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Had they not brought the BJP to power in Jammu and Kashmir, we would not have reached this stage. If they now realise their mistake and want to rectify it, that is their decision," Abdullah said—(KNO)