Only those who lack confidence have insecurities: Kiran Bedi on Abdullah

Former IPS officer turned social activist Kiran Bedi on Friday criticised Union Minister Farooq Abdullah for his statement that men are afraid of speaking to women these days.

"Only those people are fearful, who lack confidence, and, that's why we get to hear these statements. It is about self-reflection that why is there a sense of insecurity in you," Bedi said, in response to Abdullah's statement that men were now scared to talk to women as they feared that they may end up in jail.

He was reacting to the plight of former Supreme Court judge A K Ganguly, who is facing a sexual harassment case, and demands to resign from the post of chairman of the West Bengal Human Rights Commission.

"When you recruit someone, then what insecurity do you have? When girls will study, then they will definitely come to the market to work. They want to earn money and showcase their talent in the society. You should ask yourself about the insecurity. The girl is proficient. So, I think, these insecurities need to be addressed," Bedi added.

Abdullah later retracted his controversial comment, saying, "Women should get their respect. I apologise if something has been said which I did not mean. Things have gone haywire. We all are against rape; we are all against putting women low. If there is something that I have said which has hurt sentiments, then, I am sorry."

Earlier in the day, Abdullah said: "I'm scared to talk to a woman these days. I don't even want to keep a female secretary. Who knows, I might end up in jail because of a complaint. No, I'm not blaming the girls; I'm blaming society itself. The society has reached this point, where now, after one direction, it's putting pressure on everyone.