'Wish Him Speedy Recovery': India Condemns 'Horrific Attack' On Author Salman Rushdie

Salman Rushdie was stabbed in the throat by a man who climbed onto the stage on August 12.

Indian-born British-American novelist Salman Rushdie (Source: File photo/AFP)

New Delhi: Reacting for the first time to the attack on noted author Salman Rushdie, India on Thursday condemned the "horrific attack" and wished Rushdie a speedy recovery, as reported by news agency PTI. Salman Rushdie, who was on his way to start his lecture during an event at the Chautauqua Institute in western New York, was stabbed in the throat by a man who climbed onto the stage on August 12.

"India has always stood against violence and extremism. We condemn the horrific attack on Salman Rushdie and we wish him a speedy recovery," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said at his weekly media briefing.

Salman Rushdie, a Booker Prize winner and Mumbai-born Indian-origin author, was attacked during an event in New York, the USA a few days ago. The attacker Hadi Matar stabbed him in the neck, arms and abdomen with knives. The attacker was arrested on the spot.

At the same time, Salman is currently admitted to the hospital. According to his literary agent, he may lose sight in one eye. In the attack, a vein in his hand was cut and his liver was also injured. The US also called the incident unfortunate.

The eminent writer was living under heavy security for nearly three decades. He was in a lot of controversies regarding his book 'The Satanic Verses'. He has received death threats several times. 

In his book 'The Satanic Verses' he was accused of sacrilege of blasphemy. After that on 14 February 1989, the Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Khomeini issued a 'fatwa' on the death of Salman Rushdie. The Iranian government also announced a $3 million reward for Rushdie's murder.

The 75-year-old's condition remains serious but he was taken off a ventilator and has shown signs of improvement.