Didn't intend to hurt anyone: Karnataka Congress MLA apologises for comparing rape cases with 'purdah'

Karnataka Congress MLA Zameer Ahmed Khan apologised over his remark where he compared rape cases in India with women not veiling their face.

Karnataka Congress MLA Zameer Ahmed Khan on Monday apologised over his remark where he compared rape cases in India with women not doing "purdah" or veiling their face.

In a series of tweets, Zameer Ahmed Khan said, "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."

"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.

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.

Reacting to the ongoing row over hijab in Karnataka, Zameer Ahmed Khan had on Sunday said, "The concept of hijab is to keep girls, when they grow up, behind a 'purdah' [veil] to hide their beauty. Their beauty should not be visible. I think India has the highest number of rape cases in the world. It is because the women are not doing 'purdah'."