National

Taslima should apologise, says Farooq Abdullah

Vijayawada: Controversial Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen should apologise for “criticising God” or else she will not have a “place to hide,” National Conference patron Farooq Abdullah said here on Saturday.

“She has been turned out of her country. If she wants to stay here, she must say she is sorry,” the former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister told reporters.

Pointing to violence in Kolkata, he contended that there was a possibility of a flare-up in other parts of the country. “She will not have a place to hide. Kolkata flared up. The same happened in Hyderabad. And what if that happens in other parts of the country where she goes,” he asked.

Dr. Abdullah steered clear of demands that Ms. Nasreen be sent back to her native country. “I am not an authority to decide on whether asylum should be given to her or not. But as long as she is here, she needs to respect religion. Criticising God is a sin.”

Asked about the issue of right to expression, Dr. Abdullah said: “She must not play with religion because not only will she have to pay the price, but so will the country.” — PTI

© Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu