Prestigious Islamic seminary Darul Uloom has slammed Bollywood superstar Salman Khan for his reported remarks that Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi ‘need not apologise’ for 2002 communal riots in Gujarat.

The clerics have said Khan’s comments showed that he was insensitive towards such an important issue.

Senior cleric of the seminary, Maulana Mufti Arif Kasmi, said Khan had not suffered in the riots else he would not have said so.

“Had he suffered in the violence, he would have realised the pain and anguish of the victims,” Kasmi said.

“People like him or those who were not affected by the violence, will never understand the agony of the victims,” he added.

The cleric said Khan was ‘merely an actor’.

“He is neither the representative of the Muslims nor is he their well wisher. Therefore, his statement does not carry any weight and importance,” he added.

Another Muslim cleric, Maulana Naseem Akhtar Shah, also decried the statement and said Khan should not have said so.

“Khan’s statement is highly improper. He does not feel the sufferings of the riot victims,” the cleric said.

Modi need not apologise Salman had reportedly said on a TV channel that Modi need not tender an apology for the post-Godhra riots in Gujarat in 2002. Modi has not so far apologised for the violence.

The Bollywood actor had said the judiciary had not held Modi responsible for the riots and there was no need for him to tender an apology for the same.

Khan had also recently taken part in a kite festival with Modi triggering sharp reactions among the Muslim clerics. Khan had, however, refused to endorse Modi for the post of a prime minister.