SRINAGAR: In an unprecedented move, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has ordered the forfeiture and ban of 25 books, alleging that they propagate secessionism, glorify terrorism, and pose a threat to national integrity and public order.
A notification (S.O.203) issued by the Home Department on August 5 invoked Section 98 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, to declare the books "forfeited," citing their “false narrative” and role in “misguiding the youth” of Jammu and Kashmir.
Among the banned works are Azadi by writer-activist Arundhati Roy, The Kashmir Dispute 1947–2012 by constitutional expert A.G. Noorani, and Kashmir at the Crossroads by political scientist Sumantra Bose. Other authors whose books feature in the list include David Devadas, Hafsa Kanjwal, Ather Zia, Anuradha Bhasin and Tariq Ali.
Officials said the decision was taken after a detailed review of the content, which was found to be “objectionable” and “potentially harmful to public peace and the unity of the nation.”
A notification issued by the Home Department said that investigations and intelligence inputs revealed that these publications played a significant role in radicalizing youth by distorting historical facts, vilifying security forces, and promoting violence.
Acting under Section 98 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, the Government declared these books forfeited due to their threat to national integrity and public order.
The notification S.O.203 issued by the Home Department read, “Whereas, it has come to the notice of the Government, that certain literature propagates false narrative and secessionism in Jammu and Kashmir. Available evidence based on investigations and credible intelligence unflinchingly indicate that a significant driver behind youth participation in violence and terrorism has been the systematic dissemination of false narratives and secessionist literature by its persistent internal circulation, often disguised as historical or political commentary, while playing a critical role in misguiding the youth, glorifying terrorism and inciting violence against Indian State”.
“This literature would deeply impact the psyche of youth by promoting a culture of grievance, victimhood, and terrorist heroism. Some of the means by which this literature has contributed to the radicalization of youth in J&K include distortion of historical facts, glorification of terrorists, vilification of security forces, religious radicalization, promotion of alienation, pathway to violence and terrorism etc; and Whereas; in the above context, 25 books have been identified that propagate false narrative and secessionism in J&K and need to be declared as ‘forfeited’ in terms of Section 98 of Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023; and Whereas; the identified 25 books have been found to excite secessionism and endangering sovereignty and integrity of India, thereby, attracting the provisions of sections 152, 196 & 197 of Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023”.
“Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by section 98 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir hereby declares publication of 25 books, forming Annexure “A” to this Notification, and their copies or other documents to be forfeited to the Government”, the notification added.
The government said the decision followed a comprehensive review of the literature, supported by inputs from security and intelligence agencies. The notification stated:
“Available evidence based on investigations and credible intelligence unflinchingly indicates that a significant driver behind youth participation in violence and terrorism has been the systematic dissemination of false narratives and secessionist literature.”
The administration accused the listed publications of “distorting historical facts,” “glorifying terrorists,” and “vilifying security forces.” It warned that such literature fosters “a culture of grievance, victimhood, and terrorist heroism,” contributing to radicalisation and alienation among youth.
The government argued that several of the banned works, though couched in historical or political commentary, effectively incite violence and anti-national sentiment under the guise of academic or journalistic analysis.
The move, which also cites Sections 152, 196, and 197 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, empowers authorities to seize all physical and digital copies of the publications. The books, forming part of Annexure "A" of the notification, are to be “forfeited to the Government.”
This action comes amid increasing scrutiny of intellectual and political discourse in Kashmir and is likely to trigger sharp reactions from human rights groups, civil liberties advocates, and the academic community.
Full list of books, authors and publishers banned by J&K government and the order issued by the J&K administration:
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