Kerala Rises in Solidarity: Literary Stalwart M. Leelavathy Cyberattacked Over Gaza Plea

Kerala is witnessing a powerful wave of condemnation and solidarity following a vicious cyberattack on one of its most revered literary and intellectual figures, M. Leelavathy. The eminent critic, celebrated for her profound insights and unwavering voice, has been subjected to a torrent of online abuse and threats after courageously speaking out about the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.

The controversy erupted when Ms.

Leelavathy, during a protest meeting organized by the CPI(M) in Kochi, made a poignant comparison between the joyous celebrations of feasts in Kerala and the unimaginable suffering of starving children in Gaza. Her remarks were not a political endorsement but a heartfelt plea, a stark reminder of global inequalities and the moral imperative to acknowledge widespread human suffering even amidst local prosperity.

"When children are starving to death in Gaza, should we feast?" she reportedly questioned, challenging societal indifference with a simple yet profound moral dilemma.

Her powerful statement, intended to stir conscience, was met with an immediate and deplorable response from a section of online users.

Her social media channels were inundated with hateful comments, personal attacks, and even threats, reflecting a disturbing trend of intolerance towards dissenting or humanitarian voices in the digital sphere. This vitriolic cyber assault on an 87-year-old scholar, a recipient of the Padma Shri and numerous literary awards, has sent shockwaves across the State.

The backlash, however, has been met with an equally powerful counter-response of support and outrage from across Kerala's political and cultural spectrum.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan led the charge, vehemently condemning the cyberattack. He emphasized that Ms. Leelavathy's remarks were born out of profound humanitarian concern for the children of Gaza and that any attempt to silence such a voice through intimidation is unacceptable. "Attacking those who speak out of humanity is a dangerous trend," the Chief Minister stated, underscoring the importance of protecting freedom of expression.

Echoing the sentiment, CPI(M) State Secretary M.V.

Govindan denounced the online harassment, asserting that "such attacks cannot be tolerated in a democratic society." He highlighted the malicious intent behind targeting a respected intellectual who merely articulated a humanitarian perspective. Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan also joined the chorus of condemnation, expressing his "unreserved" disapproval of the cyberbullying.

He questioned the motives behind such an attack, especially against a person of Ms. Leelavathy's stature and integrity, stressing that intellectual freedom must be safeguarded at all costs.

Beyond the political arena, various cultural organizations and personalities have rallied behind Ms. Leelavathy.

The Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishad, a prominent people's science movement, issued a strong statement expressing solidarity with the critic, denouncing the intolerance displayed by the attackers. Numerous writers, artists, and academics have also come forward, emphasizing that the attempt to silence Ms.

Leelavathy is an attack on intellectual discourse and humanitarian values themselves.

This regrettable incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by public figures, especially women and intellectuals, in an increasingly polarized online environment. It underscores the critical need for a more respectful and tolerant digital space where humanitarian concerns can be voiced without fear of malicious retribution.

As Kerala stands united in support of M. Leelavathy, the incident reaffirms the state's commitment to protecting freedom of expression and fostering a culture of empathy and intellectual discourse.