Congress MLA Zameer apologises for his Hijab remark

Bengaluru: Congress MLA Zameer Ahmed Khan tendered an apology for his ‘Hijab offers protection against rape’ remark stating that he did not intend to disrespect or hurt anyone by his statement.

Zameer stoked a controversy by hinting that clothes worn by women are reason for increase in rape cases in our country and that the burqa system prevents rapes.

His statement, which comes in the backdrop of the hijab row in Karnataka, drew severe criticism from Congress party leaders as well as the opposition.

Taking to Twitter late Monday night Zameer wrote, “I get anxious & scared to see increasing atrocities & rape on Women in our Country. Because of this state of our society, I said that at least with burqa-hijab we may be able to prevent rapes. It was not intended to hurt or disrespect anyone. I regret it if it has hurt anyone (sic),” he tweeted.

“I believe our ancestors had mandated wearing burqa-hijab as religious practice in order to protect women. My statement was based on this belief & there was no other reason,” he added.

In a series of tweets, he said that education will empower women and urged the government not to deny them the right to education because they want to wear Hijab.

“My opinion is that education is the only thing that protects women. If, for religious reasons, not wearing Hijab prevents them to access education, I would want them to first get educated at least by wearing it. They will then be able protect themselves through education,” he tweeted.

“There is no strong weapon than education. Hence I humbly request both the government & the people to not deny them the education just because they want to wear Hijab,” he added.