The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Wednesday decided to ban the publication and sale of 25 books. The government says that these books promote false discourse, provoke youth and glorify terrorism.

These include books by some famous writers such as Maulana Maudadi, Arundhati Roy, AG Noorani, Victoria Skofyld and David Devdas. The order issued by the Home Department said, “It has come to the notice of the government that some literature promotes false discourses and separatism in Jammu and Kashmir.”

‘Literature that misleads youth’

The statement said that the evidence available on the basis of investigation and reliable intelligence information ‘clearly indicates’ that this literature is a major reason for the youth being involved in violence and terrorism. It is spread as a historical or political comment and it gradually affects the young mind.

According to the order, “Such literature plays an important role in misleading youth against India, glorifying terrorism and inciting violence.”

Ban on these books

The books that have been banned include Maulana Maudadi’s Al Jihadul Phil Islam, Christopher Sanede’s Independent Kashmir, David Devdas’s Search of a Future, Victoria Skoffield’s Kashmir in Conflict, A.G. Nurani’s Kashmir Dispute (1947–2012), Arundhati Roy’s freedom is included.

Ban on both publication and sales

The Home Department has instructed the officials of all the districts that these books should be removed from the market and they should not be published or sold in any form.

This decision of the government remains the subject of discussion in many circles. While on one hand it is being told to save the youth from being misled, some people are seeing it as a question on freedom of expression.