2 hrs ago
Jammu and Kashmir Reviews Millions of Books, Withdraws Thousands
The government of Jammu and Kashmir checked more than two million books.
It said 4,767 books had content it considered objectionable or anti-national.
Those books were removed from libraries and other public places.
Another 1,752 books are still being examined.
The review began after police seized hundreds of books in Srinagar in February 2025.
The government says it wants schools and colleges to promote constitutional values and responsible citizenship.
MLA Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad disagrees with the policy.
He says removing books could hide important parts of Kashmir’s history.
Jammu and Kashmir officials have scrutinized 2,181,582 books and publications.
The government says 4,767 books were withdrawn from libraries and public institutions.
A further 1,752 books have been referred for expert examination, with the review still ongoing.
The process began after Jammu and Kashmir Police seized 668 books in Srinagar in February 2025.
Independent MLA Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad criticized the review as an attempt to erase Kashmir’s history and restrict knowledge.
- Who
- The Jammu and Kashmir Government, its Higher Education Department, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and independent MLA Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad are involved.
- What
- Officials have reviewed 2,181,582 books and publications and withdrawn 4,767 over what they describe as objectionable or anti-national content.
- Where
- The review concerns libraries, public institutions, colleges and bookstores in Jammu and Kashmir, including Srinagar.
- When
- The crackdown began in February 2025; 25 books were formally declared forfeited in August 2025, and the latest records were presented to the Assembly on Tuesday.
- Why
- The government says the review is intended to identify secessionist or objectionable material and support constitutional values, academic freedom, critical thinking and responsible citizenship.
Government Position
Critics’ Position
Purpose of the review
Government Position
The government says it is applying objective criteria to remove material that promotes secessionism or otherwise violates its standards for higher-education institutions.
Critics’ Position
Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad says the action is a crackdown on knowledge and an attempt to erase or distort Kashmir’s history.
Effect on education and public institutions
Government Position
Officials say the exercise is intended to create institutions based on constitutional values, academic freedom, critical thinking, scientific temper and responsible citizenship.
Critics’ Position
The MLA argues that withdrawing books from libraries and institutions restricts access to literature and historical accounts.
Key facts
- Books scrutinized
- 2,181,582 books and publications
- Books withdrawn
- 4,767
- Books awaiting expert examination
- 1,752
- Police seizure
- 668 books seized from Srinagar bookstores in February 2025
- Formally forfeited
- 25 books declared forfeited in August 2025
- Government rationale
- To address objectionable material and promote constitutional values and responsible citizenship
- Criticism
- Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad called the action a crackdown on knowledge and an attempt to distort Kashmir’s history
Quotes
Higher Education Department of Jammu and Kashmir
Government department responsible for higher education in Jammu and Kashmir
“the purpose of the exercise is to ensure that higher-education institutions foster an environment based on constitutional values, academic freedom, critical thinking, scientific temper and responsible citizenship”
NDTV
“It's a crackdown on knowledge. They are not just erasing our memory; they are now banning our books. They are trying to erase whatever is written about Kashmir”
NDTV
Sources
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