Saturday, December 25 2004 10:23 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

London: Sikh leaders in Britain have called on protesters to withdraw death threats against Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti, writer of the controversial play 'Behzti', who is currently in hiding following the threats.

In a statement, The British Sikh Consultative Forum (BSCF), the national body of Sikh organizations said that it did not support any form of threat to the author.

"We unequivocally appeal to anyone who may have made these threats to withdraw them. They have no endorsement from the Sikh community," the statement said.

"We understand the high tensions on all sides of this unfortunate incident and regret that matters went beyond the process of dialogue and reason. We hope that further progress on the balance between liberty to offend and right to dignity can proceed within the law and with civility."

Behzti (Dishonour) written by the Sikh writer was closed by Birmingham Repertory Theatre after violent demonstrations against a rape scene in a Gurdwara. Subsequently, Bhatti went into hiding following receipt of death threats.

Bosses at the Birmingham Rep decided to abandon the three-week run of the show last week on safety grounds because faith leaders said they could not ensure there would not be a repeat of the violence.