SRINAGAR: In an unprecedented move, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has ordered the forfeiture and ban of 25 books, alleging that they propagate secessionism, glorify terrorism, and pose a threat to national integrity and public order.
A notification (S.O.203) issued by the Home Department on August 5 invoked Section 98 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, to declare the books “forfeited,” citing their “false narrative” and role in “misguiding the youth” of Jammu and Kashmir.
Among the banned works are Azadi by writer-activist Arundhati Roy, The Kashmir Dispute 1947–2012 by constitutional expert A.G. Noorani, and Kashmir at the Crossroads by political scientist Sumantra Bose. Other authors whose books feature in the list include David Devadas, Hafsa Kanjwal, Ather Zia, Anuradha Bhasin and Tariq Ali.
Officials said the decision was taken after a detailed review of the content, which was found to be “objectionable” and “potentially harmful to public peace and the unity of the nation.”
A notification issued by the Home Department said that investigations and intelligence inputs revealed that these publications played a significant role in radicalizing youth by distorting historical facts, vilifying security forces, and promoting violence.
Acting under Section 98 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, the Government declared these books forfeited due to their threat to national integrity and public order.
This story was originally published in kashmirtimes.com. Read the full story here.
