Authorities in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir have banned 25 books by acclaimed scholars, writers and historians, accusing them of promoting terrorism, secessionism and undermining the “sovereignty and integrity” of India.
The titles include works by internationally renowned Islamic thinker Syed Abul A’la Maududi, constitutional expert AG Noorani, award-winning author and activist Arundhati Roy, Kashmiri academics Hafsa Kanjwal and Ather Zia, and prominent historians Ayesha Jalal and Sugata Bose.
A government notification issued by the Home Department on Wednesday said the publications were forfeited under Section 98 of the newly implemented Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 — India’s replacement of the colonial-era Code of Criminal Procedure.
Officials allege the books contain “false narratives,” glorify terrorism, vilify Indian security forces and distort historical facts, claims the authorities say contribute to the radicalisation of Kashmiri youth and incitement to violence.
“These publications promote a culture of grievance, victimhood and terrorist heroism,” the statement read, adding that intelligence reports had linked them to “growing militancy in the region.”
Banned titles span Kashmiri, Indian and foreign authors
Among the banned works are Al-Jihad Fil Islam by Maududi, Azadi and Kashmir: The Case for Freedom by Arundhati Roy, Colonizing Kashmir by Hafsa Kanjwal, Resisting Disappearance by Ather Zia, Kashmir in Conflict by Victoria Schofield, and The Kashmir Dispute 1947–2012 by AG Noorani.
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The list also features publications by Western scholars including Piotr Balcerowicz and Christopher Snedden.
Many of the books document the territory’s political history, India’s military aggression, and the lived experiences of Kashmiris under decades of occupation.
Political backlash
Reacting to the move, Islamic scholar and Kashmiri leader, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said: “Banning books by reputed scholars will not erase historical truths or the lived memories of the Kashmiri people. It only exposes the insecurities of those behind such authoritarian actions. Ironically, this comes as the government hosts a Book Festival to showcase its supposed literary commitment.”
Critics say the ban is part of a wider effort by the ruling-BJP government of Narendra Modi to control the historical narrative, silence dissent, and delegitimise the Kashmiri struggle for self-determination.
India has more than 700,000 troops stationed in Jammu and Kashmir, making it one of the most heavily militarised zones in the world. Since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, authorities have intensified crackdowns on civil liberties, arrested journalists, shut down media outlets, and altered residency laws to change the region’s demographic character.
Police raids on bookshops
A day after the ban was announced, police began enforcing it across South and North Kashmir.
On Thursday, officers conducted surprise raids on bookstores in Kulgam, Zainapora (Shopian) and Sopore (Baramulla). Shopkeepers were warned against stocking or selling the proscribed books and told that violations would bring “serious legal consequences.”
Police reportedly searched shelves and storage areas to ensure the titles were not in circulation, while urging locals to report anyone found distributing or promoting the works.
Kulgam police said the action was carried out “legally and professionally” and would be extended to other districts. Similar operations were conducted elsewhere, with officials insisting the measures were necessary to prevent “radical content” from reaching young people.
The law which the ban falls under cites provisions on promoting hatred, disturbing public order and endangering national unity. Officials have indicated that more titles may be reviewed and prohibited in the coming months.
