Writer Kamal C Chavara, who was charged with sedition for allegedly insulting National Anthem in his book Shmashanangalude Pusthakam, burned down the book in Kozhikode on Saturday
The writer’s protest was against patriotism being forced on people by right-wing groups. He also demanded that both sedition case charged against him (disrespect to National Anthem) and UAPA against his friend Nadeer, alleging Maoist connections be withdrawn.
“I have no option left, Chief Minister and DGP of the state did not keep their promise they gave before I called off my hunger strike. They have not yet freed us from sedition and UAPA charges. I am setting fire to my book with lot of pain,” he said.
As Kamal's book reduced into ashes, another group expressed solidarity to the writer, by burning a copy of Manu Smrithi, the ancient Hindu text on caste hierarchy.
Kamal was booked by Karunagappally police on December 19 following a complaint by Yuva Morcha, alleging that the writer in his novel insulted the national anthem.
He was subsequently charged under section 124 A of IPC for sedition.
The writer also alleged that police frequently conducted raids at his house, that caused inconvenience to his aged parents.
Meanwhile in a press statement DGP Loknath Behera said that sedition charges against Kamal and UAPA against Nadeer are being re-examined, that the police have not yet filed the charge sheet.