Karni Sena threatens Javed Akhtar over his recent comments on Rajasthan's ghoonghat practice | Photo Credit: Instagram

Veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar's recent remarks on the practice of ghoonghat in Rajasthan haven't gone down well with the Rajasthan-based Rajput Karni Sena. According to a report in Times of India, Jivan Singh Solanki, president of the Maharashtra wing of the Karni Sena, has threatened Akhtar with dire consequences if he doesn't issue an apology on his comments on the same.

He has been quoted as saying, "The burqa is associated with terrorism and (is a question of) national security. We have asked Akhtar to render an apology within three days or face the consequences."

Singh has reportedly sent a video recording to the publication wherein he's warned Akhtar saying, "We will gouge out your eyes and pull out your tongue if you don't apologise. We will enter your house and beat you."

This threat comes after Akhtar at an event in Bhopal on Thursday said, "If you want to bring a law banning burqa here and if it is someone's view I have no objection. But before the last phase of election in Rajasthan, this government should announce a ban on the practice of ghoonghat in that state. I feel that ghoonghat should go and the burqa should go. I will be happy."

Akhtar later issued a clarification on social media that his statement is being distorted. He tweeted, "Some people are trying to distort my statement . I have said that may be in Sri Lanka it is done for security reasons but actually it is required for women empowerment . covering the face should be stopped whether naqab or ghoonghat."

Some people are trying to distort my statement . I have said that may be in Sri Lanka it is done for security reasons but actually it is required for women empowerment . covering the face should be stopped whether naqab or ghoonghat . — Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) May 3, 2019

The controversy riled up after Shiv Sena called for a ban on burqa after the Sri Lankan government announced a ban on face coverings in the wake of the Easter terrorist attacks.

This isn't the first time Karni Sena has issued threats to prominent personalities. The fringe outfit had previously threatened the team of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmaavat including Deepika Padukone, who played the role of Rani Padmavati in the period drama.