Kolkata Muslims demand ouster of Taslima Nasreen

Hundreds of Muslims staged a protest here on Friday, demanding ouster of controversial Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen, who has been residing here for the last few years.

Kolkata, Aug 17 : Hundreds of Muslims staged a protest here on Friday, demanding ouster of controversial Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen, who has been residing here for the last few years.

The protesters, who had gathered after a weekly religious congregation, alleged that Nasreen had insulted Islam and Prophet Mohammad, and therefore should be asked to leave India at the earliest.

The protest was organised by Muslim body, Majlis Bacchao Tehrir (MBT), outside the Tipu Sultan Mosque in Kolkata.

"Our main demand is that under the Constitution asylum cannot be given to Taslima Nasreen and Indian Government should take note of it and immediately cancel the asylum of Taslima Nasreen. Care should be taken of sentiments of 30 crores (300 million) Muslims, which have been hurt," said MBT Spokesman Majidullah Khan Farhad.

"One month time has been given and if she is not sent back then a nation-wide revolt will be carried out," said Mohammad Nurul Rehman Barkati, cleric of the Tipu Sultan Mosque, who led the protestors.

On August 9, Nasreen was assaulted by All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) legislators and activists in Hyderabad during the launch of the Telugu version of her latest book, Sodh.

Two days later, a case was registered against her under Section 153(A) of the Indian Penal Code for allegedly hurting Muslim sentiments at the Panjagutta Police Station on complaints forwarded by the AIMIM.

The Bangladeshi writer had fled her home in 1994 after hardline Muslims called for her death following the publication of her most controversial book, 'Lajja' (Shame).

Nasreen now describes herself as a secular humanist, and criticises religion as an oppressive force.

ANI