Jammu and Kashmir Government Bans 25 Books for Propagating "False Narrative and Secessionism"

Srinagar: In a controversial move likely to trigger debate over freedom of expression, the Jammu and Kashmir government has declared the publication of 25 books, including works by noted authors such as A G Noorani, Victoria Schofield, and David Devadas and Arundhati Roy, as "forfeited' for allegedly promoting false narratives and glorifying terrorism.

The Home Department order, issued on Wednesday, claims that certain literature "propagates false narrative and secessionism' in the Union Territory. Citing investigations and intelligence inputs, the government contends that the “systematic dissemination” of such content is a major driver behind youth radicalisation and engagement in violence.

"It has come to the notice of the Government, that certain literature propagates false narrative and secessionism in the Jammu and Kashmir,' the order said, alleging that these materials are often “disguised as historical or political commentary.”

According to the order, such writings have “deeply impacted the psyche of the youth by promoting a culture of grievance, victimhood, and terrorist heroism,” and have contributed to “distortion of historical facts, glorification of terrorists, vilification of security forces, religious radicalisation, and promotion of alienation.”

In this context, the administration has invoked Section 98 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023 to forfeit the listed publications. The government also cited provisions of Sections 152, 196, and 197 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), alleging that the books pose a threat to India's sovereignty and integrity.

The list includes Al Jihad fil Islam by Islamic scholar and Jamaat-e-Islami founder Maulana Maududi, Independent Kashmir by Australian academic Christopher Snedden, In Search of a Future: The Story of Kashmir by journalist David Devadas, Kashmir in Conflict by British historian Victoria Schofield, The Kashmir Dispute (1947–2012) by constitutional expert A G Noorani, and Azadi by Booker Prize -winning author Arundhati Roy.

There was no immediate response from the authors or publishers of the books mentioned. Several of the works have previously been referenced in academic and journalistic discourse on Kashmir.

While the government has described the move as necessary for “public order and national security,” civil liberties groups and free speech advocates have in the past raised concerns about the broad and subjective interpretation of “false narratives” in official bans. The latest order is expected to reignite debate on the boundaries between national interest and the right to dissenting expression.

Under Section 98 of BNSS 2023, the government may declare any publication or document as forfeited if it is considered prejudicial to the sovereignty, integrity, or security of India. However, the provision also requires procedural safeguards, including the right to appeal.