Writer Vikram Seth tells NDTV that the Sahitya Akademi has made a noble statement.
Eminent author Vikram Seth today welcomed top literary body Sahitya Akademi's statement condemning attacks on writers and the alleged rise in intolerance in the country.
"It's a statement as strong as I could have expected and indeed in some senses broader. I consider it a noble statement and I am both relieved and grateful that the board of Sahitya Akademi has made the statement that it has made. It shows that it is an independent body," Mr Seth said in an exclusive interview to NDTV.
"It has condemned any attempt to suppress free speech and of course the ultimate suppression of free speech is when you stop the lips and deaden the hands, in other words murder. It has also condemned the atmosphere of fear that is sought to be inculcated by acts of assassinations such as these. This form of fear and terror in effect terrorism has been condemned in the strongest possible terms. I am very happy that this has happened."
The 63-year-old author had earlier told NDTV that he would give up his Sahitya Akademi award if the organisation did not take a strong stand.
Earlier today, the Sahitya Akademi held an emergency meeting before ending its silence on protests that have seen over 40 writers and poets returning their literary awards citing what they believe is rising intolerance in the country.
The Akademi said it was "deeply pained and strongly condemned the murder of Prof MM Kalburgi and the other intellectuals and thinkers."
In a statement, the organisation also said: "As the only autonomous institution of Indian literature, we firmly support the writers' right to freedom of expression in all the languages of India and condemns any atrocity against any writer anywhere in the country."
Vikram Seth said he hoped that the protesting writers would now consider taking back their awards but asserted that it was up to them to decide.
"It's not easy for writers to give up their awards, it is an act of courage," Mr Seth said.
"Remember the writers, unlike some other professions, live quite an isolated professional life. For them to get a mark of attribution from their peers, their fellow writers is something that gives them great comfort."