Daijiworld Media Network- Mumbai
Mumbai, May 2: In a strongly-worded address at the 'Glorious Maharashtra Festival' held to mark Maharashtra Day, veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar urged the central government to take "solid steps" against terrorism in the wake of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that claimed 26 innocent lives, including three tourists from Maharashtra.
Speaking before a gathering of dignitaries and citizens in Mumbai on Thursday, Akhtar condemned the repeated acts of cross-border terrorism and expressed his dismay at what he called an inadequate response from India. “A few crackers on the border will not work. Take a solid step now,” he said, urging decisive action against Pakistan, which he believes continues to shelter and support terrorist activities.
Referring to the Pakistani Army Chief’s recent remarks, Akhtar said, “No sensible person can make a speech like he does. He says Hindus and Muslims are different communities, not even considering the Hindus living in his own country. They should be given a befitting reply—only then will they remember.”
Akhtar, visibly emotional, remembered the three Mumbai residents—Sanjay Lele, Atul Mone, and Hemant Joshi—who were among those killed in the April 22 Pahalgam attack. “They were looking for peace and happiness. Perhaps they should not have done that. They were mercilessly shot. We must not forget this,” he said, warning that Mumbai continues to be a target for hostile forces.
He also recounted a past experience at a literary festival in Lahore. When asked why Indians view Pakistanis as terrorists, he responded, “I have seen Mumbai burning. The people who did that did not come from Sweden or Egypt. They are freely roaming your streets.”
Akhtar closed his address with a call for unity and alertness, asserting that while India has always extended a hand of friendship, it is time for a firmer stance. “Be it Congress or BJP, India has always tried to maintain good relations. But now, it’s time for ‘aar ya paar’,” he declared.