Hitting out at the Jammu and Kashmir government for banning 25 books on terrorism in the Valley, Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Thursday said the administration’s move only exposes the insecurities and limited understanding of those behind such authoritarian actions.
In his reaction on X about the ban, Mirwaiz wrote “Banning books by scholars and reputed historians will not erase historical facts and the repertoire of lived memories of people of Kashmir”.
“It only exposes the insecurities and limited understanding of those behind such authoritarian actions, and the contradiction in proudly hosting the ongoing Book Festival to showcase its literary commitment!”, he added.
Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha’s administration on Wednesday ordered a ban on 25 books and ordered their forfeiture, including works by several prominent authors, citing concerns over national security and public order.
Acting under Section 98 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, the Home Department that is under the control of the Lt. Governor, declared these books forfeited due to their threat to national integrity and public order.
The administration directed forfeiture of these titles, alleging that the books promote “false narratives,” glorify terrorism, and incite secessionism in the Union Territory.
Among the authors whose works have been banned are acclaimed writer and activist Arundhati Roy (for her book Azadi), constitutional expert AG Noorani (The Kashmir Dispute 1947–2012), and political scientist Sumantra Bose (Kashmir at the Crossroads).
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.
The notification S.O.203 issued by the Home Department read; “Whereas; it has come to the notice of the Government, that certain literature propagates false narrative and secessionism in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Available evidence based on investigations and credible intelligence unflinchingly indicate that a significant driver behind youth participation in violence and terrorism has been the systematic dissemination of false narratives and secessionist literature by its persistent internal circulation, often disguised as historical or political commentary, while playing a critical role in misguiding the youth, glorifying terrorism and inciting violence against Indian State.
“This literature would deeply impact the psyche of youth by promoting a culture of grievance, victim hood and terrorist heroism. Some of the means by which this literature has contributed to the radicalization of youth in J&K include distortion of historical facts, glorification of terrorists, vilification of security forces, religious radicalization, promotion of alienation, pathway to violence and terrorism etc; and Whereas; in the above context, 25 books have been identified that propagate false narrative and secessionism in J&K and need to be declared as ‘forfeited’ in terms of Section 98 of Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023; and Whereas; the identified 25 books have been found to excite secessionism and endangering sovereignty and integrity of India, thereby, attracting the provisions of sections 152, 196 & 197 of Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023”.
“Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by section 98 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir hereby declares publication of 25 books, forming Annexure “A” to this Notification, and their copies or other documents to be forfeited to the Government”, the notification added.