Mumbai: Karni Sena has threatened Javed Akhtar on his remark that Ghoonghat should also be outlawed if voices like ‘Saamna’ were demanding a selective ban on the burqa.
Reacting to the call of Shiv Sena for a ban on the burqa at public places, Akhtar had said: “If someone wants this kind of law here, and if this is somebody’s opinion I don’t have any objection. But before the end of last phase of (Lok Sabha) elections, the government must announce that no woman will be allowed to use ghoonghat in Rajasthan.”
He added: “Faces covered with the burqa or the ghoonghat, it’s same. If both would be removed, I would be happy”.
As reported by the Times of India, Jivan Singh Solanki, president of the Maharashtra wing of the Karni Sena said, “The burqa is associated with terrorism and (is a question of) national security. We have asked Akhtar to render an apology within three days or face the consequences.”
Warning Akhtar, Solanki sent the paper a video recording saying “We will gouge out your eyes and pull out your tongue if you don’t apologise. We will enter your house and beat you.”
Meanwhile Akhtar tweeted on Friday, “Some people are trying to distort my statement. I have said that maybe in Sri Lanka it (the ban) is done for security reasons but actually it is required for women empowerment. Covering the face should be stopped whether Naqab or ghoonghat.”
Some people are trying to distort my statement . I have said that may be in Sri Lanka it is done for security reasons but actually it is required for women empowerment . covering the face should be stopped whether naqab or ghoonghat .
— Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) May 3, 2019
Responding to the criticism of right-wing elements, Akhtar said, “the question is not only of our security but the dignity and empowerment of women. Can a woman in a burqa or ghoonghat be a pilot. Sportsperson, journalist, political leader. I believe both the restrictions on women are undesirable. It doesn’t matter whether it is a law or tradition. Subjugation of women should not be acceptable at any cost in any form anywhere.”
