"I will pay the compensation for the unsold books," he said.

Hounded by Hindutva and caste outfits, writer Perumal Murugan, whose novel Madhorubhagan was under attack, announced his decision to give up writing altogether.

“Perumal Murugan, the writer is dead. As he is no God, he is not going to resurrect himself. He also has no faith in rebirth. An ordinary teacher, he will live as P. Murugan. Leave him alone,” he has posted on his Facebook account.

Though he is not available for comment, his close friends said he was forced to take this extreme step after the going through agonising moments at the peace meeting held at Namakkal on Monday.

He also urged his publishers — Kalachuvadu, Nattrinai, Adayalam, Malaigal and Kayalkavin — not to sell his novels, short stories, poetries and other creative works.

“I will pay the production cost and compensation for unsold books,” he said.

“Those who have bought my books can consign them to the flames. I am also ready to pay compensation to them,” he said.

He also called upon organisers of literary festivals not to invite him to any events. “As I have decided to withdrawn all books, I request caste outfits and religious organisation to desist from protests,” he said.

Kannan, the publisher of Kalachuvadu, that brought out most of Perumal Murugan’s works, said he had decided not to sell Madhorubhagan, out of moral responsibility, though legally nothing would bind him from selling the book.

Quoting Martin Luther King, he said, “Peace is not the absence of violence, but the presence of justice”, he said “there is peace in Namakkal, but no justice.”

He accused the district administration of conniving with the caste and religious outfits and breaking down the resolve of a writer.