The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has broken its silence and come out in support of writer Perumal Murugan, whose novel Madhorubhagan was under attack, saying that “the writer is targeted and hounded by intolerant people who are encouraged and supported by fundamentalists.
DMK treasurer M.K. Stalin on his facebook account had said the aim of those behind the attack was to create a rift among the peaceful and freedom loving citizens of Tamil Nadu.
“Let the vested interests who are encouraging these repulsive acts against a book that was published four years ago remember that, Tamil Nadu and its people will not condone violence in the name of religion and we will not allow anyone to infringe on our right to free expression,” he said.
Mr. Stalin, who first tweeted in support of Mr. Perumal Murugan said Tamilians had a proud history of tolerance and respect the emotions and values of all cultures and literature.
“We have never been afraid to have healthy debates and open discussions about the role of religion or caste in our society,” he said.
Reiterating that Tamil Nadu had always been a place where healthy debates had taken place for thousands of years on various subjects including religion and social issues, Mr. Stalin said while respecting the sensitivity of others, Tamils had remained strong and united to uphold an individual's right to expression, enshrined in our Constitution.
Tamil Writer Perumal Murugan is targeted by fundamentalists whose aim is to create a rift among the peace and freedom loving people of TN.
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) >January 15, 2015“We neither resort nor support violence in the name of Hinduism or Christianity or Islam or atheism. We are people who encourage debates and discontents in democratic forums,” he further said.
To drive home the point that freedom of expression guaranteed in the Constitution was non-negotiable, Mr. Stalin also made a reference to the killing of journalists Charlie Hebdo and the solidarity expressed by France.
DMK, a Democratic Party with secular views, opposes religious fundamentalism & supports Article 19 that guarantees freedom of speech.
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) >January 15, 2015“France has given the timely relevant example of Liberty, Fraternity and Unity against Fundamentalism in an astounding procession for the cartoonists who have paid the ultimate price for the right to voice their opinions,” he said while recalling Voltaire’s words, “I do not agree with what you have to say, but I 'll defend to death your right to say it.”
He said DMK as a democratic party with secular views would forever stand against religious fundamentalism and unstintingly support Article 19 of the Indian constitution, guaranteeing the freedom of speech and expression.
Key Developments
- › BJP, RSS demand ban on 'Madhorubagan' and arrest of the author. Copies burnt at Tiruchengode. >Read more
- › The Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers and Artistes Association express solidarity with Mr. Murugan >Read more
- › Hindutva ideologue and writer Aravindan Neelakantan reiterated that the RSS had never favoured the idea of banning books. >Read more
- › Peace restored in Tiruchengode after an agreement between Mr. Murugan and various members of Hindu outfits. >Read more
Mr. Stalin's Facebook post:
