K.P. RamanunniKozhikode: Noted Malayalam writer K.P. Ramanunni has reportedly received a threat letter that asks him to undergo religious conversion or face dire consequences.
The letter allegedly asked him to convert in six months or warned that he would be killed on failing to do so. The writer received the letter after he wrote an article comparing Hindus and Muslims. The letter alleged that he was misleading innocent Muslims and that he should withdraw from such actions.
It also warned that Ramanunni would meet the same fate as that of professor T.J. Joseph, whose right arm was chopped off by the members of a radical outfit for allegedly hurting their religious sentiments through a question paper he had set.
The letter arrived at Ramanunni's home in Kozhikode six days ago through postal mail. The writer said though there was no indication as to who was behind the letter, it was understood that it was posted from Manjeri in Malappuram district.
Ramanunni said he had ignored the letter initially, but other senior writers advised him to file a police complaint. The Kerala police have begun a probe based on the writer's complaint.
A novelist and short story writer, Ramanunni is a recipient of the Kerala Sahitya Academy Award and Vayalar Award among other literary acclaims.
A film was also made on his debut novel, 'Sufi Paranja Katha', which revolved around the love story of a Muslim man and a Hindu woman.
CM promises action
Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that his government will not be a silent spectator to threats to writers and other creative people.
In a Facebook post, Pinarayi said Kerala has always allowed creative people to express their free and frank opinion and it has always been seen as an expression of their freedom.
"But under no cost would anyone who issues threats and shows intolerance to ones right of freedom be allowed to go scot free. The government will do what is required," he added.
(With inputs from PTI and IANS)
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