'Fear' controversy: Naseeruddin Shah says 'No one can throw me out of this country'

"At many places, the death of a cow is being given more importance than the killing of a policeman. I feel anxious for my children because tomorrow if a mob surrounds them and asks, 'Are you a Hindu or a Muslim' they will have no answer."

Actor-director Naseeruddin Shah. Photo: AFP (File)

New Delhi: Days after getting surrounded by controversies over his ‘fear in country’ remark, actor Naseeruddin Shah’s book Chupke Chupke was inaugurated in Ajmer Literature festival. Naseer has now clarified on his remark via video conference and said that “No one can throw me out of this country as this is my nation and my body shall be laid to rest in its soil.” He further added saying, “This is my nation and if something wrong is happening here, it’s my duty to speak against it”. “My five generations have been engraved in this nation’s soil and my children will also stay here till they die” he added. Shah has spent 15-years of his life in Ajmer and while roaming around in the lanes of Ajmer, he participated in school theatre for the first time. His book also contains several stories from Ajmer. This is the reason why Shah went to Ajmer to inaugurate his book. Speaking on Bulandshahr violence, Naseer said “At many places, the death of a cow is being given more importance than the killing of a policeman. I feel anxious for my children because tomorrow if a mob surrounds them and asks, 'Are you a Hindu or a Muslim' they will have no answer. It worries me that I don't see the situation improving anytime soon," he said a video that was circulated on social media.

Ashutosh Rana on Naseeruddin Shah's statement: Everyone should have a right to share their thoughts with their friends or other people without any fear. If any of our brothers or friends say something, we should not only listen to them but also ponder over it. (23.12) pic.twitter.com/wRx2T8lIMv

— ANI (@ANI) December 24, 2018

However, Mr Shah later clarified his remarks saying, "I have made the statement as a worried Indian and I have previously made similar remarks. I don't know for what reason I am being branded as a traitor." Will show Modi government how to treat minorities: Imran Khan Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday said he will "show" the Narendra Modi government "how to treat minorities", amidst the controversy over Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah's remarks on mob violence in India. Khan said his government will make it sure that the minorities feel safe, protected and have equal rights in 'New Pakistan'. "We will show the Modi government how to treat minorities...Even in India, people are saying that minorities are not being treated as equal citizens," he said referring to Shah's statement.