And then they’ll think about not killing her. Oh, the magnanimity! Taslima Nasreen Update: “Taslima must apologise to Muslims: Dasmunsi,” from the Central Chronicle (thanks to all who sent this in):
Kolkata, Jan 6: Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi Sunday said controversial Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen should apologise with “folded hands” for hurting the sentiments of Muslims of the country, and hinted that her book “Dwikhandito” could be banned.
Talking to reporters in Malda in West Bengal, he said: “We are a pluralistic nation and we respect all religions. I love literature and I have nothing against her writing. But that does not mean she can use her pen to insult and hurt the religious belief of the Muslims or for that matter any religion.”
“The comments made by her in the book in question were uncalled for. She should bow down before the people whose sentiments she has hurt and apologise with folded hands, and expunge those pages from her book,” Dasmunsi said.
“We did not allow Salman Rushdie’s book (‘The Satanic Verses’) when it caused a flutter and raised controversy. She will not be an exception,” said Dasmunsi.
How long will India remain a free society? For in a free society, no one has a right not be insulted.