Statesman News Service
KOLKATA, April 3, 2008:
Considering Ms Taslima Nasreen's departure from the country as a severe blow to the fundamental principles of secularism, democracy and freedom of speech, city intellectuals felt the Union government should immediately ask her to return and assure her of a safe and secured life in India.
In a statement issued on 1 April, city intellectuals comprising of Aparna Sen, Bibhash Chakravarty, Mahasweta Devi, Suvaprasanna, Mr IK Gujral, among others criticised the state and Union government for their stand in the case of Ms Nasreen.
In the wake of the situation when Ms Nasreen had to break free from leading an isolated life by leaving the country, city intellectuals said the Centre should approach her to return as soon as her health condition improves. Further, the Central government must assure that no obstacles would prevent her from leading a normal life and provide her with adequate security.
Claiming the author's departure has tarnished the country's image before the world, intellectuals expressed concern over the highhandedness of religious extremists who have been encouraged to spread terror, disruption and violence in the country. The intellectuals have thus urged the state and the Union government to discourage extremist elements among religious groups.
They also added her decision to leave the country has caused immense frustration to all intellectuals who had been trying to defend her rights and secure justice for her. They even warned that if this policy of suppressing an author's right to speech is pursued it would pose a threat to the security, peace and stability in the country.
http://www.thestatesman.net/page.news.php?clid=6&theme=&usrsess=1&id=197846
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