NEW DELHI (IslamOnline) – Controversial novelist Salman Rusdie finally made
his visit to the country public on Friday by attending the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize Award in Delhi amid tight security.
The Indian-born novelist also revealed that he has also secretly visited Jaipur, Agra and his ancestral property "Anees Villa" in Shimla earlier in the week.
Rushdie, who is travelling with his son Zafar, told reporters that he still considers himself an Indian Muslim and that he has never in any way blasphemed the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) or Islam. He said the he does not harbor any ill feelings against Indian Muslims.
He also said "let the past be past and move forward." Rushdie has returned to India after 12 years, when India became the first country to ban him and his novel, “The Satanic Verses.” Commenting on his relations with India he said, "For me it has been a very moving occasion to be back here ... I just hope this long rift between me and India is now over."
Indian Muslim organizations, however, took a strong exception to his visit and held several demonstrations in the capital. The Shahi Imam of the Fatehpuri Masjid in Old Delhi, in his Friday Khutba, said, "Rushdie can't be tolerated at all. He can't be excused." He said that the government’s decision to grant the visa to Rushdie was “intolerable” and that it has deeply hurt the sentiments of the Muslims.
Activists of the All Indian Islamic Conference held a massive demonstration at a masjid near the hotel where Rushdie is staying. Another demonstration was held at the Jantar Mantar by political parties including Rashtriya Janta Dal and Janta Dal (S).
Addressing the gathering Delhi MLA Shoaib Iqbal said, "The heretic who has insulted Islam and our Prophet Mohammad ... should never have got a visa to India." The demonstrators chanted slogans against Rushdie and the Indian government.
They also submitted a memorandum to the president for the immediate cancellation of Rushdie's visa and his eviction from the country.
