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J&K Book Withdrawals Trigger Assembly Clash and Court Challenges
More than 4,200 books were taken out of libraries and educational institutions in Jammu and Kashmir.
A committee examined nearly 21.8 lakh publications before deciding which books should be withdrawn.
Most of the recorded withdrawals were in Kashmir, rather than Jammu.
Another 518 copies of 19 titles that had been formally banned were removed.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said he would not have ordered the withdrawals himself.
Education Minister Sakina Itoo said a committee was responsible for deciding which titles should be removed.
Opposition members said the government had not clearly explained who made the decisions.
The BJP defended the withdrawals by saying autonomous agencies had valid reasons.
Some politicians and writers' supporters said restricting books could harm constitutional freedoms, and the issue is being challenged in the High Court.
More than 4,200 books were withdrawn from libraries and educational institutions across Jammu and Kashmir.
A committee reviewed nearly 21.8 lakh publications, including 12.48 lakh in Kashmir and 9.32 lakh in Jammu.
Official figures listed 3,996 withdrawals in Kashmir and 253 in Jammu, while 518 copies of 19 formally banned titles were also removed.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said he would not have ordered the withdrawals, while the education minister attributed decisions to a designated committee.
Opposition parties demanded disclosure and accountability, while the BJP defended the actions of autonomous agencies; petitions are pending before the High Court.
- Who
- The Jammu and Kashmir government, its designated review committee, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Education Minister Sakina Itoo, opposition legislators, the BJP, and petitioners before the High Court.
- What
- More than 4,200 books were withdrawn, alongside the removal of 518 copies of 19 formally banned titles, prompting an Assembly dispute and legal challenges.
- Where
- Libraries and educational institutions across Jammu and Kashmir, with 3,996 withdrawals recorded in Kashmir and 253 in Jammu.
- When
- The controversy was discussed in the Legislative Assembly, with petitions already pending before the High Court; the articles do not provide a specific date.
- Why
- The withdrawals followed a review of publications by a designated committee, but lawmakers disagree over the decision-making process, justification, accountability, and effects on constitutional freedoms.
Critics and Opposition
Government Defenders
Responsibility and transparency
Critics and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers said the government gave contradictory accounts, demanded the titles, authors, and publishers be disclosed, and argued that the Assembly was being misled.
Government Defenders
Education Minister Sakina Itoo said a designated committee reviewed the publications and made the decisions, while the BJP said autonomous agencies acted for valid reasons.
Book restrictions
Critics and Opposition
CPI(M) leader M.Y. Tarigami and other critics said restricting access to information undermines constitutional freedoms and democratic values, especially when children want to read the books.
Government Defenders
The BJP defended the withdrawals, and the education minister said banning books without justification would be wrong, implying that decisions should rest on the committee's review and stated reasons.
Political priorities and accountability
Critics and Opposition
The PDP criticized Omar Abdullah for emphasizing statehood while, in its view, urgent censorship questions required attention and the Assembly should defend public voices.
Government Defenders
Omar Abdullah said he would not have ordered the withdrawals himself, while the administration's explanation placed responsibility for title selection with the designated committee.
Key facts
- Publications reviewed
- Nearly 21.8 lakh publications
- Kashmir review and withdrawals
- 12.48 lakh publications reviewed; 3,996 withdrawals recorded
- Jammu review and withdrawals
- 9.32 lakh publications reviewed; 253 withdrawals recorded
- Formally banned titles
- 518 copies of 19 titles banned under S.O. 203 were removed from circulation
- Chief minister's position
- Omar Abdullah said he would not have ordered the withdrawals
- Education minister's explanation
- Sakina Itoo said a designated committee determined which titles should be banned or withdrawn
- Legal status
- Petitions challenging the bans are pending before the High Court
Sources
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