The controversial Bangladeshi writer, Taslima Nasreem, has been moved from the eastern Indian city of Kolkata after protests by Muslim militants turned to riots, and baton-wielding troops were deployed on the streets.

Dozens of people were injured in the violence, and more than a hundred arrested, with protesters calling for Taslima Nasreen to be expelled from India altogether, after accusing her of offending Muslim sentiments.

It’s been alleged she called for the Qur’an to be changed to give women greater rights, although Taslima Nasreen has denied making the comments.

Veena Nair, president of Indian NGO Women’s Political Watch, has told Radio Australia’s Connect Asia program, says Taslima Nasreen has not backed away from things she has said in the past.

“Looking at her track record, she’s not drawn to saying things which she backtracks on,” she said.

“And secondly, I think Islam itself does offer a lot of good positions for women, but it’s the interpretation by the vested sections that makes Muslim women’s positions weak.”

Political pressure

Taslima Nasreen rose to prominence in 1993, after her first book, Shame, detailing violence against women in Bangladesh, prompted Islamic fundamentalists to issue a fatwa against her.

She was forced to leave Bangladesh and lived in Sweden before settling in India’s West Bengal state on a visitor’s visa which has been renewed every six months.

Veena Nair says the Indian government should not bow to growing pressure to not renew Taslima Nasreen’s visa or move her to another state.