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Key Points

Bollywood lyricist Javed Akhtar expressed deep disappointment over the warm reception given to Taliban's foreign minister. He specifically called out Darul Uloom Deoband for honoring what he called "the world's worst terrorists." Akhtar highlighted the irony of welcoming representatives who ban girls' education while preaching against terrorism. The incident has sparked mixed reactions online about India's diplomatic engagement with the Taliban.

Key Points: Javed Akhtar Slams Deoband Taliban Welcome Shame

  • Javed Akhtar criticizes Islamic seminary for honoring Taliban representative
  • Akhtar questions Taliban's ban on girls' education during welcome
  • Taliban FM Amir Khan Muttaqi received warm welcome at Darul Uloom
  • Netizens debate whether engaging Taliban serves diplomatic purposes
  • Security prevented students from shaking hands with visiting dignitary
  • Muttaqi expressed hope for better India-Afghanistan relations
2 min read

Javed Akhtar disappointed on the 'Respect & Reception' given to the Taliban Foreign Minister

Bollywood legend Javed Akhtar expresses shame over Darul Uloom Deoband's grand welcome to Taliban FM, criticizing reception for "world’s worst terrorists".

"I hang my head in shame when I see the kind of respect and reception has been given to the representative of the world’s worst terrorists group Taliban - Javed Akhtar"

Mumbai Oct 14

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi visited Darul Uloom Deoband in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, and was given a grand welcome during the visit.

Expressing his disappointment, well-known Bollywood screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar penned a heartfelt note on social media, saying that his head hung in shame after seeing the massive respect being given to the representative of the world’s worst terrorist group, the Taliban.

Taking to his X (Earlier known as Twitter) handle, Akhtar criticised the Darul Uloom Deoband in Saharanpur for giving the Taliban leader a grand welcome.

He penned, "I hang my head in shame when I see the kind of respect and reception has been given to the representative of the world’s worst terrorists group Taliban by those who beat the pulpit against all kind of terrorists.(sic)"

"Shame on Deoband too for giving such a reverent welcome to their “ Islamic Hero” who is one of those who have completely banned girls education. My Indian brothers n sisters !!! what is happening to us," Akhtar added.

Reacting to the post, one of the netizens commented, "Dear Javed Saab, while shame is warranted — let’s not ignore that the current BJP-led Modi government has welcomed Taliban representatives with open protocol, hosted them, and treated them like dignitaries. So when “terror vs terror” sermons come from some pulpits, check who’s rolling out the red carpet behind the scenes. That’s the real betrayal."

Another one penned, "Geopolitics happens. Humouring taliban FM doesn’t mean, we agree with their beliefs. Maybe we can be a good influence and help change their thinking".

On October 11, Muttaqi was reportedly given a warm welcome at the Islamic seminary by Mohtamim (vice-chancellor) of Darul Uloom Deoband, Abul Qasim Nomani, president of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, Maulana Arshad Madani, along with the officials of Darul Uloom.

Numerous students of the Islamic seminary and several localities came together at the Deoband campus to shake hands with the foreign dignitary; however, they were stopped by the security.

During his visit to Darul Uloom Deoband, Muttaqi shared that he hopes for better ties between India and Afghanistan in the future.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I understand the emotional reaction, we need to think strategically. Afghanistan is our neighbor and we have to engage with whoever is in power. Maybe this engagement can help moderate their views over time.
A
Arjun K
The real question is - why is our government also engaging with Taliban? First they were terrorists, now they're dignitaries? This double standard is confusing for common citizens like us. 🤷‍♂️
S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked with Afghan refugees, this is heartbreaking. The Taliban's treatment of women and girls is medieval. We should be standing with Afghan women, not rolling out red carpets for their oppressors.
M
Michael C
Let's be practical - geopolitics requires engaging with difficult regimes. China, Russia, even US are talking to Taliban. India cannot afford to be isolated in our own neighborhood. Tough decisions have to be made.
K
Kavya N
Respectfully, Javed Saab is being emotional. Diplomacy isn't about liking people, it's about national interest. We have billions invested in Afghanistan and Indian citizens there. Engagement is necessary, whether we like it or not.
V
Vikram M
The students wanting to meet him is even more concerning! We need better education about what Taliban stands for. Their ideology goes against everything India represents -

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