Kozhikode: Cyber world throws its weight behind the novel “ Meesha” ( Moustache) that has been withdrawn following threats from Sangh Parivar outfits. While supporting the writer, social media is replete with concerns regarding the assault against freedom of expression. Many are worried over intolerance, until now limited to other parts of India, seeping in Kerala as well. In a rare bonhomie, both writers and political parties came out in support of the writer.
Poet and lyricist Refeeq Ahamad protested against repealing of the novel sketching the tooth-brush moustache of Adolf Hitler. His Facebook post reading “Now on this moustache is enough” received hundreds of viral sharing. “S. Harish is a genius with a spine. When he was assaulted, the publisher who should have supported him vamoosed. That is what happened. If Mathrubhumi doesn’t want “Meesha”, thousands of publishers will come up” scribbled movie director Aashiq Abu.
When literacy and reading became more common, writers emerged questioning social evils in their own religions and castes. They included Ponkunnam Varkeyi, MP Paul, C J Thomas, Vaikom Muhammad basheer V T Bhattathiripad. That great tradition has been injured” said poet P Raman.
If a book were to be withdrawn on the grounds of having linked temple and lust, should “Kanneerum Kinavaum” by V Bhattathiripad have been the first, asked Thanuja Bhattathiripad.
Writer PK Parakadav in a Facebook post ridiculed the situation of writers having to submit their books first to the approval of temple committee president and poojari, masjid committee president, and church priest.
Many derided the way leading newspapers carried the news of the novel’s withdrawal. These newspapers desisted from revealing the fact that the novel was withdrawn following threat from Sanga Parivar, they condemned.