Jaipur, Jan 24 (IANS) The video address by “The Satanic Verses” author Salman Rushdie at the DSC Jaipur Literary Festival was called off Tuesday as some of the dozens of Muslims gathered outside the venue threatened trouble and even bloodshed if the address by a “criminal writer” went ahead.

“In view of the resentment simmering in the city against Rushdie’s (proposed) address, we have told the organisers that they cannot allow the writer to speak via video,” Jaipur’s Superintendent of Police Vijendra Jhala told media persons here.

Minutes before Rushdie was to speak, dozens of Muslims started praying in the courtyard of the Diggi Palace. Some of them warned of consequences if the Rushdie address took place.

“Every mazhab (religion) teaches us to respect god within us, but those who insult god and religion have no business to be here,” said a Muslim who did not wish to be named.

“He is a criminal writer as far as Muslims are concerned. He has insulted Prophet Mohammed and there is no way we will let him speak even if he is doing so from abroad. There will be trouble if the speech by Rushdie goes ahead. Muslims are never afraid of dying,” he added.