Aamir Khan not to cowed down by militant threats

Mumbai, July 29: Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has asserted that he would not be cowed down by threats and would continue to work in films.

He said this on Monday after reports of threats to Muslim actors by Indian Mujahideen, a militant outfit which claimed responsibility for Saturday's serial blasts in Ahmedabad.

"It's really sad that a few people are adamant in taking lives of the innocent people. I think we should not be cowed down by these threats, attacks and should not at all be affected by them. I think it is even very difficult situation for the government and all of us to control this kind of terrorism. But certainly we do not cowed down to it and I don't think I have any response to threats like this," Aamir Khan told reporters in Mumbai.

The group had also claimed responsibility for the bombings in Jaipur in May that killed 63 people.

The outfit issued life threats to the Bollywood stars asking them to stop acting.

Shahrukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan and Saif Ali Khan, all Muslims, are among the most successful contemporary Bollywood actors.

Two separate series of bombings ripped through Ahmedabad on Saturday within a span 90 minutes. The first series went off near busy markets. A second wave of bombs went off around a hospital, where at least six people died. All bombs were detonated with timers.

Many of the bombs, stuffed with ball bearings, were packed in metal tiffin boxes. Some were left on bicycles and one was reportedly a car bomb.

Police believe dozens of militants could have been involved in the coordinated attack.

India has often accused militant groups from Pakistan and Bangladesh of helping local militants to carry out a wave of bombings in recent years, with targets ranging from mosques to Hindu temples.

India's cities are on alert, with extra police stationed at many malls, railway stations and temples.


Copyright Asian News International