A national shame

"A ‘plot' to kill the eminent author Salman Rushdie had been invented by the Rajasthan Police in a pathetic but successful attempt to dissuade him from participating in the ongoing Jaipur Literature Festival. Far too many Indians have lost their lives to terrorists for security to be made a plaything to serve a political agenda. "

"After the hounding of M.F. Husain and Taslima Nasreen by Hindu and Muslim fanatics, India has again betrayed its heritage of providing sanctuary to persecuted individuals and ideas, not to speak of its Constitution." The Hindu : Opinion / Editorial : A national shame: Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot, fearful of being made a scapegoat within the Congress if the party does poorly in the upcoming Uttar Pradesh elections, betrayed his constitutional obligations.

Mr. Rushdie is entitled to a full apology for this shameful episode and to an unconditional assurance that he is welcome in India.