Withdraw knighthood for Rushdie, Muslim scribes to Britain

Opposing the knighthood of writer Salman Rushdie, a forum of Muslim journalists on Wednesday asked the British government to withdraw it.

In a memorandum to Prime Minister Tony Blair, handed over to the British Deputy High Commission in Chennai, the All India Forum of Muslim Journalists warned that if the knighthood was not withdrawn, the British government would be responsible for consequences arising out of the honour bestowed on Rushdie.

The forum expressed the hope in deference to the wounded sentiments of Muslims worldwide and asked the British government not to turn a deaf ear to the pleas and protests of Muslims.

A copy of the memorandum was made available to the press.