In protest against the attempts to put gag on freedom of expression, Punjab's foremost woman writer Dalip Kaur Tiwana has announced to return the Padma Shri, fourth highest civilian award, she was conferred with in 2004. She was also awarded the Sahitya Akademi in 1971. She is the 12th Punjabi writer to give up their awards in the last three days.


In her statement she said: "In this land of Gautama Buddha and Guru Nanak Dev, the atrocities committed on the Sikhs in 1984 and on the Muslims recurrently because of communalism are an utter disgrace to our state and society. And to kill those who stand for truth and justice put us to shame in the eyes of the world and God. In protest, therefore, I return the Padma Shri award."


More than 25 authors having already returned their Sahitya Akademi Awards.  Read more here