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Taslima’s remarks

This refers to Bangladesh writer Taslima Nasreen’s charge that the Indian government pressured her to leave the country. Bangladesh is not an oppressive state. Its Constitution guarantees its citizens fundamental rights just as the Indian Constitution does to its citizens. It is imperative that Taslima assert her right to freedom in her own country.

Other than Taslima, no author or intellectual belonging to Bangladesh has sought shelter in any other country. The bottom line is that her travails are personal. She was a guest, a privileged one, in our country. But a guest needs to understand that the hallowed privilege is circumscribed by the sensibilities of the host. And sensibilities are emotional and need not always be absolutely rational.

P. Venu,

Kakinada

It is unfortunate that Taslima decided to leave the country due to the apathy of the Indian people and the media. Writers give expression to their opinions and their freedom should not be suppressed.

Sarat Chandra Bhogavalli,

Visakhaptanam

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