New Delhi: "I think India is a tolerant country, but some people are intolerant. In every society, there are some people who are intolerant," Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen said at an event, referring to recent violence in Malda in West Bengal.

It's time to focus not just on Hindu fundamentalists, but also Muslim fundamentalists, Nasreen added.

Nasreen participated in the discussion on 'Coming of the Age of Intolerance' at the ongoing Delhi Literature Festival at Dilli Haat, where she said "If we do not open our mouths, society will not evolve. Of course, we should fight misogyny, religious fundamentalism, and all kinds of evil forces only to make the society better".

On the contrary, Mr. Sudheendra Kulkarni, BJP ideologue and writer, said "There is no freedom whatsoever to show any religion in bad light, knowing that it will hurt sentiments and insult others. I completely disagree that writers should have absolute freedom. Freedom must be exercised with responsibility". He further exclaimed that India as a country was "essentially tolerant." (Photo: www.jagoroniya.com)