Mumbai, Jan 7, TEN Network | The Mumbai woman, whose Free Kashmir poster at a protest at Gateway of India kicked up a storm, has released a video message in which she said the placard was only to protest against the lockdown in Kashmir and added that there was no other motive behind her actions.
Following outrage over her holding a ‘Free Kashmir’ poster at a protest against JNU violence, Mehak Mirza Prabhu, a Mumbai-based storyteller and performer, said her holding the placard has been misinterpreted.
In a video message posted on Facebook, Mehak called the reactions crazy and said she was only speaking for the rights of Kashmiris. “I am Mehak, a writer from Mumbai. What happened yesterday is extremely crazy and more crazy is the reaction that it is receiving from the people. The narrative being spread about the situation is absolutely misinterpreted.”
Speaking about the Mumbai protest, Mehak Prabhu said, “I saw placards being painted there for all sorts of issues, including CAA, NRC, and of course for JNU students. I came across one placard on Free Kashmir.”
Mehak also clarified that she is not a Kashmiri. “Contrary to the false facts being spread, I am not a Kashmiri. I am from Mumbai…a Maharashtrian. When I saw that placard, what came to my mind was about the basic constitutional rights of Kashmiris,” she said.
“The act has been misinterpreted, and the issue has been blown out of proportion. This situation is scary for a woman like me. We should not live with such fear,” Mehak said as she asked people to share the video message.
“The picture created by entire social media came as an absolute shock to me. Placard meant freedom to express themselves, freedom from the internet lockdown which many people have been voicing for. I was voicing my solidarity for basic constitutional right,” Mehak Mirza Prabhu wrote on Facebook.
Mehak added, “No other agenda or motive what so ever.”
Mehak Prabhu said, “If by being naive in understanding the impact it would have, and in the process create this stir. I apologise.” “I am artist who believes in basic human compassion. Please spread let power of love overcome hate,” Mehak said. (IT)