Don’t give up writing: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to S Hareesh
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government has come out in support of writer S Hareesh who had to withdraw his novel from a Malayalam weekly after alleged threats from right-wing forces. When it comes to freedom of expression, the state government will stand by the writer, said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who asked the young writer not to give up writing, under pressure. No attacks on the freedom and rights of writers will be allowed.
“Creativity will flourish only in an atmosphere without fear. There cannot be any sort of compromise with anything that upsets the equilibrium,” said Pinarayi in a Facebook post. He also urged Hareesh not to get disturbed over the recent controversies over his work ‘Meesha’.
Forging ahead bravely on the path of writing is the most suitable response he can give to those who foment such trouble. Instead of contemplating to give up writing, he should overcome such barriers by powerfully wielding his pen, Pinarayi advised the young writer who has been at the receiving end of threats and criticism over his creative output that was serialised in the weekly.
After Hareesh was forced to withdraw the novel, a number of noted writers and cultural leaders in addition to politicians, including G Sudhakaran, A K Balan, senior Congress leader V M Sudheeran and Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala came out in support of the writer.
Women’s panel seeks report from DGP
The Kerala State Women’s Commission on Monday sought a report from State Police Chief Loknath Behera on the incident in which writer S Hareesh had to withdraw his novel ‘Meesha’ from ‘Mathrubhumi’ weekly. The report was sought on the basis of a complaint from Rupesh Chirakkal of Manjeri in Malappuram. The commission would take steps after receiving the report of the police chief, said commission chairperson M C Josephine.