Aamir Khan’s Remark Has No Factual Basis, Says Rijiju

24 November, New Delhi

The Central government Tuesday strongly contested Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan’s remarks over “intolerance”, saying communal violence had in fact declined in the last one year.

Reacting on the actors remarks, Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju said number of deaths due to communal clashes had dipped in the last seven months.

“The record shows that the number of incidents of communal violence in country have come down since NDA came to power. Just to make a blatant statement that during NDA rule the country has become intolerant, it unnecessarily tarnishes the image of the country,” said Rijiju

His was a misplaced debate; there were many other issues which the society as a whole must come together and address, he added.

The Minister said the comment of Khan was uncalled for and it was not proper for him to make such a blatant statement.

Describing the remark as an ‘insult to the actor’s fans, Minister of State for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi too disapproved the comment and said Aamir is quite safe in India.
Aamir Khan is quite safe in India. His comment is influenced by a politically motivated campaign. It is an insult to those who have given so much to him , Mr Naqvi said. Aamir’s comment that his wife had suggested him to move out of the country, owing to ‘growing intolerance’ have evoked sharp reactions from various quarters

Aamir Khan said at the Ramnath Goenka Awards function, hosted by the Indian Express Group, that there was growing sense of disquiet in the country. His wife had wondered if they should leave India, the actor said and supported those returning their awards by saying this was one of the ways for the creative people to express their dissatisfaction.