SRINAGAR, India – Jammu and Kashmir authorities have banned 25 books, citing their promotion of “false narratives,” “secessionism,” and the glorification of radicalization and terrorism. The move, implementing an order from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), has ignited a fresh debate over free expression and the effectiveness of such measures in the digital age.
Debate Ignites Over Book Ban in Jammu and Kashmir
Authorities cite national security concerns; critics question impact and motives.
- 25 books banned in Jammu and Kashmir for allegedly promoting separatism and terrorism.
- Ban implemented via Ministry of Home Affairs order citing threats to national sovereignty.
- Critics argue the ban is ineffective in the digital age and stifles dissent.
- Supporters believe it’s necessary to counter anti-national narratives.
Following the MHA directive issued August 5, police began raids on bookshops across Kashmir. As of 5 PM, however, no copies of the banned titles had been discovered. The MHA’s order declares the books forfeited under Section 98 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, prohibiting their publication, sale, and circulation, with provisions for seizure of existing copies.
Government’s Rationale and Legal Basis
The government asserts that these books, often framed as historical or political analysis, propagate separatism, glorify terrorism, distort history, denigrate security forces, and radicalize youth. These actions are said to contravene Sections 152, 196, and 197 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, which address threats to national sovereignty, the promotion of enmity, and actions detrimental to national integration.
This prohibition arrives on the sixth anniversary of the 2019 abrogation of Article 370, which revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special constitutional status. The government contends the books undermine India’s sovereignty and integrity.
Concerns Over Freedom of Expression
The ban has revived discussions about freedom of speech, with opponents viewing it as an attempt to stifle academic discourse and dissent. Anuradha Bhasin, whose book is among those banned, described the action as “bizarre.” She maintains her work is well-researched and denies glorifying terrorism, suggesting the government fears scrutiny of its narrative on Article 370.
CPI(M) Member of Parliament V Sivadasan labeled the ban “very painful” and called for opposition from democratic forces, citing India’s democratic and secular values. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq of the Hurriyat Conference stated the ban revealed government insecurities and would not erase Kashmiri history or experiences.
Digital Age Ineffectiveness and Curiosity
Many observers question the ban’s practical impact. “The ban is only in Jammu and Kashmir,” noted a senior Kashmiri journalist and editor. “A person can read or buy these books anywhere else in the world. And when something is banned, it increases curiosity.”
Prominent Kashmiri journalist Rashid Rahil echoed this sentiment: “Ideological wars are fought differently now. I don’t think a book ban works in the digital age when everything is available online. If the ban was global, it would be a different matter. Banning only fuels curiosity.”
Political Reactions Vary
Major political parties in Kashmir offered muted responses. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) criticized the move, questioning the MHA’s decision-making. A PDP spokesperson remarked, “The same mistake was made during the abrogation of Article 370, without taking the people of Jammu and Kashmir into confidence. Youth are now seeking answers and exploring history.”
PDP spokesperson Iqbal Tarmboo added, “I don’t understand who gives this type of feedback to the MHA. These policies have a negative impact. In the age of information, you cannot hide knowledge. Everything is online. Instead of banning, we should be working to ensure the youth aren’t drawn to harmful content.”
The government claims the ban aims to protect national security and curb radicalization among youth by removing books promoting false narratives and terrorism.
Conversely, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) praised the ban. Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi, Chairperson of the J&K Waqf Board and a BJP leader, called it a “good step,” asserting that books glorifying separatism should have been banned much earlier. “The 35 years of terrorism in Kashmir weren’t driven only by guns but also by pens that glorified it,” she stated. “That dark era must not remain in our books.”
Mixed Reactions at Book Festival
The ban coincided with the Chinar Book Festival in Srinagar, where many authors and publishers were present. The event drew significant crowds of students and readers, with opinions divided. Amir Nazir, a student, commented, “Everyone reads books of their own interest. If the government thinks certain books are harmful, we have no issue. They know better.”
Imtiyaz Hussain, an Islamic scholar, suggested, “If a book is bad for society, it should be banned. But banning it in just one state isn’t effective. If it’s harmful, ban it globally.”
Precedent for Book Bans
This is not the first instance of book bans in the region. In February 2025, police in Jammu and Kashmir seized 668 books associated with the banned Jamaat-e-Islami organization as part of broader efforts against radical content.
