Jammu and Kashmir Bans 25 Books for Promoting False Narratives and Secessionism

The Jammu and Kashmir government has banned 25 books, including works by authors Arundhati Roy and David Devadas, for promoting false narratives and glorifying terrorism. The government claims that the books contribute to the radicalization of youth in the region and endanger the sovereignty and integrity of India. The books include "Al Jihadul fil Islam," "Independent Kashmir," and "Azadi."

The Jammu and Kashmir government has banned 25 books, including works by authors Arundhati Roy and David Devadas, for allegedly promoting false narratives and glorifying terrorism. The government claims that these books contribute to the radicalization of youth in the region and endanger the sovereignty and integrity of India. The ban, which took effect on August 5, 2025, includes titles such as "Al Jihadul fil Islam," "Independent Kashmir," and "Azadi."

The notification, issued by the Principal Secretary of the Home Department, Chandraker Bharti, under the order of Lieutenant-Governor Manoj Sinha, stated that the literature in question propagates false narratives and secessionism in Jammu and Kashmir. The notification further claimed that this literature promotes a culture of grievance, victimhood, and terrorist heroism among the youth, contributing to their radicalization and incitement of violence.

The banned books include political commentaries and historical accounts, such as "The Kashmir Dispute 1947-2012" by noted constitutional expert A G Noorani, "Kashmir at the Crossroads and Contested Lands" by Sumantra Bose, and "In Search of a Future: The Kashmir Story" by David Devadas. The list also includes works by international authors like Hafsa Kanjwal, Haley Duschinski, Victoria Schofield, and Christopher Snedden.

The government has declared that the publication of these books and their copies or other documents need to be declared as 'forfeited' under Section 98 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023. The ban is part of a broader effort to counter the influence of secessionist literature and protect the sovereignty and integrity of India.

The move has sparked debate among scholars and activists, with some arguing that the ban is an attempt to suppress dissent and free speech, while others support the government's stance on national security. The ban has also raised questions about the role of literature in shaping public opinion and the extent to which it can influence political and social movements.

References:
[1] https://indianexpress.com/article/india/arundhati-roy-noorani-jk-bans-publication-25-books-kashmir-propagating-secessionism-10174625/lite/
[2] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/jk-government-declares-25-books-on-kashmir-forfeited-for-exciting-secessionism-and-endangering-sovereignty-of-india/articleshow/123148407.cms