"Fiercest Punishment To Such Attackers": Najeeb Jung On Salman Rushdie Attack

Author Salman Rushdie, who spent years in hiding after an Iranian fatwa ordered his killing, was on a ventilator and could lose an eye following a stabbing attack at a literary event in New York state on Friday. New York state police identified the suspected attacker as Hadi Matar, a 24-year-old from Fairfield, New Jersey. The incident has triggered concerns over the threats to freedom of expression, speech and creative liberty globally - with growing incidents of extremism. Author and former Delhi L-G Najeeb Jung says, "We need laws to ensure that the fiercest punishment is given to such attackers. Those known for standing up for liberal values should be protected as they face deaths threats." He questions why there wasn't enough security for Rushdie by the organizers of the New York event.