Arts

Prominent Nepali writers have condemned the attack on British author Salman Rushdie, and they are hoping that he will get well sooner.

The author of numerous popular novels, including the controversial The Satanic Verses (his fourth novel published in 1988), Rushdie was severely injured when he was stabbed on stage at an event on Friday in New York state, USA.

Nepali writers say they are closely following global reactions on the attack and news concerning Rushdie’s health - including a tweet by his son Zafar Rushdie which stated: “Following the attack on Friday, my father remains in critical condition in hospital receiving extensive ongoing medical treatment.

“Though his life-changing injuries are severe, his usual feisty and defiant sense of humour remains intact."

Shocked at the attack, Nepali writers were quick to take to social media to post their reactions, including a demand for artistic freedom.

Khagendra Sangroula, writer

Salman Rushdie is a symbol of courage. He is also an epitome of those writing against injustice, expressing their freedom of expression. The attack on Rushdie is inhuman.

The attacks on the writers who are fighting for freedom of speech are happening around the world. But as Rushdie is a famous writer, the attack has taken aback a large number of readers across the globe.

I don’t think it will have significant positive or negative impacts on the literature around the globe but it will threaten the writers. For any writer, to speak his mind is to take a risk. He or she cannot write and speak without fear when such incidents happen.

Looking at the gravity of the incident, a collective comment or official statement could have come from the writers and litterateurs and organisations working on literature. Intellectuals too should have spoken on the issue but nothing so has happened yet.

Manjushree Thapa, essayist, fiction writer, and translator

Soon after the news broke she tweeted: "This attack was so many years in the making. That’s why it’s no joke when extremists unleash hatred—you never know who, years down the line, is going to act on their call. To hell with extremists.

"Salmon Rushdie unloosened all of our tongues—those of us writing in English from South Asia. I sincerely hope he recovers fast and fully."

Narayan Wagle, writer, journalist

Soon after hearing the news he tweeted, "Salman, you have to survive to give life to several stories."

Talking to NepalMinute Wagle said: “Rushdie has written on secularism, democracy and freedom of expression. Rushdie has contributed to expanding democracy, freedom of expression and secularity across the world through his literary works. An attack on Rushdie is an attack on democracy, freedom of expression and secularism.

His being attacked by those blindfolded with the religion is an attack on the liberals. Such actions make writers unsafe and they will practice self-censorship. The writers will think that they should not write or discuss any such ideas which can be controversial. They will start limiting themselves in using their creativity. They will have a profound psychological impact on them."

Buddhisagar, author

This violence is an attack on freedom of speech. There are ideological differences, but it is inhuman to attack like that. Intellectual discussions and talks can be held where different opinions can be voiced. 

Writers could be more afraid now. Out of fear, they could start censoring themselves. But as people are uniting across the world, I don’t think writers and artists will stop producing their works on controversial issues and characters.

The attack on Rushdie shows that anger has shifted to a younger generation. Though the writers will likely get threats of murder or violence, they won’t stop writing. They will rebel against such deeds and continue to write. 

Subin Bhattarai, writer

The attack is inexcusable and inhuman. The attack on the author might instigate others to commit similar crimes across the world - if they disagree with the writer’s opinions. It is threatening. Writing in such a threatening environment self-restricts a writer.

We are aware of what kinds of things and ideas can offend the sentiments of others. But this incident has made us more serious. One’s writing can be interpreted in multiple ways, and all the interpretations might not be positive.

But stabbing someone for his ideas is wrong. People might have disagreements in your write-ups but the disagreement should not take the form of violence.

This incident will make us think twice before writing. The writers need to be far-sighted and write about several issues but this incident won’t let us do that because we feel controlled. This incident should encourage more open discussions on issues surrounding castes, creeds and religions.