FILE photo: DMK chief M Karunanidhi
Criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government for "silence" over the mob killing of a man in Uttar Pradesh's Dadri and the continuing attacks on writers and free thinkers, DMK chief M Karunanidhi today said that this "nonchalance" of leaders would result in "a black era in history."
"It's sad there's no statement or clarification from Prime Minister Modi or the central government. It's sad and condemnable," the 91-year-old DMK chief said.
Amid attacks from political opponents over his "silence" on the Dadri incident, PM Modi had, at a rally last week in Bihar, made a strong statement, saying
Hindus and Muslims must fight poverty, not each other. The PM did not mention Dadri, though, in that speech.
Listing the writers who have returned their Sahitya Akademi awards in protest, Mr Karunanidhi said, "When freedom of expression and India's pluralism is under attack and if those with authority to prevent it show nonchalance, it is injustice and would turn into a black era in history."
At least 20 authors have announced their decision to return their Sahitya Akademi awards to protest against "rising intolerance" in the country; they have cited the Dadri incident - a 52-year-old
Muslim man was lynched by a mob two weeks ago after rumours that he ate beef - and the murders of rationalists MM Kalburgi, Narendra Dabholkar and Govind Pansare. The writers have said that the Akademi, which is chaired by the Prime Minister himself, should stand for the rights and freedoms of the people.
"It seems the Akademi management feels that if any opinion is made over the issue, it may offend the Centre," Mr Karunanidhi said.