(Shirin Dalvi, 46, was the editor of Urdu daily Avadhnama, based in Thane's Mumbra.)
I, Shirin Dalvi, begin with an apology for having printed the title cover of Charlie Hebdo. It was a mistake and I had no intention to hurt the feelings of my community. Like any other Muslim, I deeply respect Prophet Mohammed - sallallahu alahi wa sallam - Peace be upon Him.
That said, since January 17, I am being harassed and hounded even after publishing an apology in my paper Avadhnama and other national papers. There are four cases slapped against me. I have not been able to go back home since then and my children have stopped going to college. I am an underground citizen of India.
Allegations levelled against me that I printed the cover deliberately even after being stopped are baseless and untrue. There is a mountain of lies which is being used against me because of personal differences.
The newspaper has shut down. I and many others have lost our jobs. I apologize to all of them for their hardship. But can I now appeal to those who are still upset: please forgive, forget and move ahead.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. NDTV is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of NDTV and NDTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.
6 Teenagers Convicted In France Over Teacher's Beheading In 2020 Microsoft Blames Iranian State Actors for Cyberattack on Charlie Hebdo Charlie Hebdo Attack Victims Honoured As Iran Fumes Over New Cartoons "War Can End Tomorrow If...": Netanyahu's Message After Killing Of Yahya Sinwar Drone Footage Of Hamas Chief Yahya Sinwar's Last Moments Released By Israel In Big Relief For Sadhguru, Top Court Dismisses Case Against Isha Foundation Alarming Rise In AI-Produced Child Abuse Material, Warns Regulatory Body Sangh's Call For Collective Strength And United India Supreme Court Upholds Anticipatory Bail To Prajwal Revanna's Mother Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.