Salman Rushdie's Video Conference in Jaipur Fest Tomorrow

Salman Rushdie, author of the controversial book 'Satanic Verses' will address the Jaipur Literature Festival through video conference on Tuesday at 3.45 PM. Earlier, Rushdie had decided against attending the Literature Festival in person, claiming that he was informed by intelligence sources in Maharasthra and Rajasthan that paid hitmen from the Mumbai underworld were out to "eliminate" him if he came to India. Rushdie had expressed doubts about the "accuracy" of the intelligence but said in a statement that it would be "irresponsible" on his part to still attend the festival and put the lives of other authors and participants in danger.

The Rajasthan government still has to confirm the video conference. According to sources, the festival organizers have not yet contacted the government over Rushdie using video conferencing to address the event. The sources said that the Festival organizer will have to get permission for allowing Rushdie to use the video link. The government will decide after talking to the organisers about the theme and the topic and will give permission only if it is assured that he will not make any reference to 'The Satanic Verses'.