The air was abuzz with anticipation - and apprehension - as the clock ticked towards 3.45pm. The spacious front lawns of Diggi Palace were packed with people, waiting to hear Salman Rushdie on video link. In the courtyard, a group of young men had just finished offering namaz. "Rivers of blood will flow here if they show Rushdie," said one. Muslim Manch representative Abdul Salim Sankhla told TOI, "We will not allow Rushdie in any form. There will be violent protests if he speaks."