Support swells for writer who withdrew novel

A day after Malayalam writer S Hareesh withdrew a serialised novel in the wake of threats by Hindu right wing supporters over "offensive" portions it contained, support for the writer emerged from different sections of the society and across political lines.

Noted writers, including M Mukundan and K Satchidanandan, expressed concerns over fundamentalist forces that influence and undermine freedom of expression.

Writer Benyamin, while urging Hareesh to revoke his decision and publish the novel, also said he was disappointed to see the writer succumb to pressure.

Writers' collectives and youth outfits expressed solidarity with the writer.

Hareesh withdrew the novel Meesha (moustache) which was being serialised in Mathrubhumi weekly following social media abuse and threats in connection with a conversation between two of its characters, about women dressing up for their temple visits.

After the portions in Meesha set off a row on social media, Hindutva outfits also staged protests against the writer in Ernakulam and Kozhikode.

On Sunday, CPM veteran and former chief minister V S Achuthanandan urged Hareesh to reconsider his decision to withdraw the novel.

He called for a collective people’s resistance in the state against the Sangh Parivar threats.

Public Works Minister and senior CPM leader G Sudhakaran said Hareesh should not have withdrawn the novel in the face of the threats.

Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala said the incident caused shame to Kerala and said it was disturbing to note that the state too was facing the threat of fascism.

"Those who want to harm the writer for what he has written are leading Kerala to darkness,” he said. CPM Politburo member M A Baby said Hareesh should not let critics bully him into silence and requested him to resume publication of the novel.

Hindutva organisations, meanwhile, are also learnt to be planning more protests against the novel. Hareesh, 43, is recipient of the 2016 Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for his story collection Adam.