30 Apr. 24: In a shocking turn of events, the literary community in Telangana finds itself under attack by the ABVP (Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad). The Secular Writers Forum faced a violent onslaught during their discussion on “Social Values – Literature” in Warangal. The ABVP members disrupted the event, tearing down banners and causing chaos. Dr. Pasunuri Ravindar and poet Naresh Kumar were among those targeted, facing unfounded accusations.
The ABVP’s assault on intellectual freedom didn’t stop there. The Literary Writers Forum (LWF) also faced aggression during a state-level session. The ABVP, along with physical intimidation, resorted to verbal abuse against writers, prompting widespread condemnation from various literary organizations, students, youth, and political groups. The Telangana Abhyudaya Writers’ Association vehemently opposed the ABVP’s actions.
Penugonda and Velpula Sections Condemn
The Literary Writers Forum (LWF) faced a similar attack at the state-level assembly, where banners were vandalized, and writers were verbally assaulted. The All India Abhyudaya Writers Association (AIYF) Telangana State Committee took a strong stance against the perpetrators, demanding strict action from the state government.
Rising Against Fascist Forces
Voices within the literary community and beyond have raised concerns over the rising influence of fascist ideologies, which threaten to stifle freedom of expression and individual autonomy. They emphasize the need for collective resistance against such divisive forces. Leaders such as Rachapalle Chandrasekhar Reddy, Valluru Shivaprasad, Pallero Veeraswamy, and chief executives like Rapolu Sudarshan have firmly condemned the attacks.
Condemnation and Demands
Leading figures such as Professor Katyayani, Dr. Pasunuri Ravindar, Naresh Kumar Sufi, and Mercy Margaret faced unwarranted violence orchestrated by the ABVP, leading to strong rebukes from the All India Youth Federation (AIYF) Telangana State Committee. Urging the government to take stringent action against the perpetrators, they emphasized the need to safeguard public discourse and democratic values against such assaults.
DHPEF Condemns Assault
Marupaka Anil Kumar, Chief Executive of the Dalit, Human Rights and Advocacy Forum (DHPEF), condemned the violence perpetrated by the ABVP against the literary community. He stressed the importance of protecting public discourse and resisting attempts to silence dissenting voices.
In the face of such challenges, the literary community remains resolute, determined to uphold the principles of free expression and intellectual freedom, regardless of the obstacles posed by fascist forces.
Additional Condemnations Pour In
The assault on intellectual freedom has drawn condemnation from freelance writers and members of the Muslim Writers Forum, who vehemently opposed the ABVP’s actions. Notable figures such as Skybaba, Dr. Ayesha Sultana, Professor Katyayani, and representatives from organizations like Palamuru Praja Sangh joined the chorus of protests against the violence.
Renowned Kendriya Sahitya Academy winner, RS Praveen Kumar, also added his voice to the condemnation, expressing solidarity with the affected writers and calling for an end to such attacks on freedom of expression. The collective outcry from diverse sections of society underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgent need to safeguard democratic values and intellectual freedoms.
Ayesha Sultana, author and member of the Muslim Writers Forum and Hyderabad Writers Forum, strongly condemned the violent acts perpetrated by the ABVP, emphasizing the importance of upholding the values of tolerance and diversity in society. She stated, “Attacks on intellectual freedom and cultural expression undermine the very essence of democracy. We must stand united against such acts of violence and censorship.”
