Javed Akhtar, In Pakistan, Says 26/11 Attackers “Still Roaming Free”

Popular author and poet Javed Akhtar’s frank remarks about 26/11 terrorists “roaming free” in Pakistan and the resentment in Indians’ hearts have gone viral on social media.
This week, Javed Akhtar travelled to Pakistan to attend a festival in Lahore honouring the late Urdu poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz.

During a conversation, the well-known poet discussed reducing tension between the two nations and claimed that Pakistan couldn’t hold India responsible for its irate citizens.

He was responding to someone in the audience saying: “You have visited Pakistan so many times. When you go back do you tell your people that these are good people, they aren’t just bombing us but also greeting us with garlands and love?”

Javed Akhtar replied: “We should not blame each other. It will solve nothing. The atmosphere is tense, that should be doused. We are people from Mumbai, we have seen the attack on our city. They (attackers) did not come from Norway or Egypt. They are still roaming free in your country. So if there is anger in the Hindustani’s heart, you can’t complain.”He emphasised that Pakistan had not welcomed Indian artists in the same way that India had done for Pakistani icons.

One among the people who applauded Javed Akhtar for his comments in Pakistan was the actor Kangana Ranaut.

“When I listen to Javed Saab’s poetry, I wonder how blessed he is by Goddess Saraswati. But there must be something pure in the person for God to bless them. Jai Hind @Javedakhtarjadu saab. Ghar mein ghuss ke maara (you beat them in their own backyard),” Kangana Ranaut wrote.