Not only burqa, ban ghoonghat too: Javed Akhtar

Renowned lyricist Javed Akhtar on Thursday remarked that he was against banning burqa and that the he was also against the 'ghoonghat' system prevalent among women in Rajasthan.

Akhtar's comment came after the Shiv Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana' on Wednesday had urged the Modi government to emulate Sri Lanka in banning the burqa pertaining to national security.

Speaking to the media, the veteran lyricist had said, "If you want to bring a law banning burqa here (in India) and if it is someone's view I have no objection. But before the last phase of election in Rajasthan, this government should announce a ban on the practice of 'ghoonghat' in that State", and added, "I feel that 'ghoonghat' should go and the burqa should go. I will be happy".

However, Akhtar's comment had sparked controversy follwing which he tweeted, "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."

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

It may be noted that Sri Lanka's decision came in the wake of the Easter terror attacks that had claimed lives of more than 250 people.