New York City: Controversial writer Taslima Nasreen, who has been relocated to the US after alleged death threats by right wings said that she will return to India when she feels safe. Countering immediate threats, a New York-based non-profit educational, advocacy and research organisation has relocated her to the United States.
The Narendra Modi government had extended the visa of controversial writer Taslima Nasreen for one year in 2014. She is allowed to stay in India till August 2015.
The step to relocate Nasrin has been taken in the wake of the murder of three secular bloggers, Avijit Roy, Washiqur Rahman, and Ananta Bijoy Das in Bangladesh.
Taking to micro blogging site, Nasreen said she is not leaving India permanantly.
Was threatened by Islamists who killed atheist bloggers in B’desh.Worried.Wanted to meet GOI.No appointment.Left.Will be back when feel safe
She said, “I often go to USA to give lectures and to see my family. I havn’t left India permanently and Indian government always provides security.”
Stating that she was threatened by Islamists who killed atheist bloggers in Bangladesh, she added, “I was worried and wanted to meet Government of India, but did not get the appointment. I will be back when feel safe.”
The Center for Inquiry (CIF) was prompted to act after Nasrin was recently named as one of the next targets for murder by the extremists who killed the three bloggers. However, the group said that her safety was only temporary if she cannot remain in the US, adding that they had set up an emergency fund to help her with food, housing and means for her to be safely settled.
“Taslima is a truly international role model, as her work and her courage inspire people of all ages to question tradition, challenge dogma, and fight for human rights,” said Ronald A. Lindsay, president and CEO of the Center for Inquiry.
“We could not stand by while her life was in danger, nor will we turn our backs on the other brave freethinkers in fear for their lives. I know our community will make a strong show of solidarity and give generously to this emergency fund,” he added.
The CFI has established an emergency fund to assist free thought activists whose lives are under threat by Islamic radicals in countries such as Bangladesh, where three atheists bloggers (who normally wrote against Islam) have been murdered since February.
(With ANI inputs)