'Dangal' girl issue raised in J&K Assembly, security demanded

The issue of "Dangal girl" Zaira Wasim, a Kashmiri who posted an apology on social media, today figured in the state Assembly with a BJP member saying "anti- national forces" had issued death threats to the 16-year-old actress and that adequate security should be given to her.
After Ravinder Raina raised the issue, Deputy Speaker Nazir Ahmed instructed the government to look into the issue and take appropriate steps.
During a discussion on the budget in the House, Raina raised a "point of information", saying the young actress had received death threats.
"I have come to know from reliable people that the young girl of our state Zaira Wasim, who played a beautiful role in 'Dangal' movie and had recently met the state Chief Minister (Mehbooba Mufti) has received death threats," he said.

The ruling BJP member said the threat had been issued by "anti-national forces" and the young actress must be provided adequate security.
"I have cross checked the information and it is true that she has received death threats. Government must ensure and provide her security as she has brought laurels to the state," Raina said.

The Chief Minister, while replying to a debate on Motion of Thanks to the Governor's Address, also referred to Zaira's "excellent role" in 'Dangal', and said, "our children are showing excellence in the fields of sports and others but unfortunately they don't get the due opportunity and appreciation".

Separately, National Conference leader and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said Zaira should not be forced to apologise.
"A 16-year-old shouldn't be forced to apologise & that too allegedly for meeting @MehboobaMufti. What are we coming to!!!!!," he tweeted.
"I've a problem with @MehboobaMufti trying to usurp other peoples success to cover up her own failures but why punish/troll people she meets?," he added.
Zaira, who played the younger version of Indian wrestler Geeta Phogat in Aamir Khan-led Bollywood blockbuster 'Dangal', today apologised for "offending" and "unintentionally hurting" people after her meeting with the Chief Minister kicked up a row.

Zaira took to social media and tendered an apology apparently over her meeting with Mehbooba on Saturday, which drew sharp reactions from the youth in the valley because of the situation in Kashmir during the last few months.
She also played down her performance in "Dangal", saying she was "not proud of" what she is doing.