KOCHI: The 'Samakalika Malayalam Varika', a sister publication of The New Indian Express, on Sunday said it was ready to publish S Hareesh's novel 'Meesha' (Moustache).
The Editorial Board of the Samakalika Malayalam Varika took the decision a day after the Hareesh decided to withdraw the serialised novel from 'Mathrubhumi' weekly following threats to him and his family from the right-wing groups.
"The Samakalika Malayalam Varika is ready to publish S Hareesh's novel 'Meesha'. The freedom of expression of writers cannot be suppressed through such threats. If we bend now, we will be forced to crawl later," said a press statement issued by the Varika, expressing its support to Hareesh and his family.
Withdrawing the novel, Hareesh on Saturday said he was not interested in wasting away his life "tackling cases and dealing with threats".
The Hindutva right-wing groups took exception to a conversation between two characters in the novel on why women go to temples all dressed up.