Authorities in Indian-administered Kashmir have ordered all educational institutions to review books for "inappropriate and objectionable" content, sparking a debate over academic freedom and the region's history. Critics argue the move is an attempt to control narratives and erase history, while officials claim it is to remove inaccurate or unlawful material.
The crackdown on books in Indian-administered Kashmir raises significant concerns about academic freedom, the control of historical narratives, and the broader implications for civil liberties in the region following the revocation of its semi-autonomous status.
Authorities in Indian-administered Kashmir have issued a sweeping order to all educational institutions to review books for "inappropriate and objectionable" content, sparking a debate over academic freedom and the region's history. The directive, issued last week, mandates that schools, colleges, universities, and coaching centers screen all published material on their premises for content that could violate "religious sentiments, laws, educational values and established norms."
Officials insist the order is not about restricting reading but removing material they deem factually inaccurate or unlawful, including content that "promotes, glorifies, legitimises or justifies terrorism, violent extremism, secessionism, radicalisation" or any activity prejudicial to national security. However, opposition parties, academics, and students view the move as an attack on academic freedom and an attempt to erase Kashmir's turbulent history.
The order follows recent protests by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over two government school library books that allegedly glorified separatist leaders and promoted anti-national sentiments. These books were withdrawn, and police arrested three individuals linked to their publication, while eight education department officials were suspended. The current order does not explicitly define "objectionable material," beyond stating it could violate religious sentiments, laws, national interest, or educational values, and must adhere to India's "age-appropriate" education guidelines.
Last year, authorities banned 25 books, including works by Arundhati Roy and A.G. Noorani, citing "false narratives and secessionism," a ban that is being challenged in court. Political scientist Noor Mohammad Baba stated that such restrictions contravene India's constitutional right to freedom of speech and expression. A Kashmir studies teacher, speaking anonymously, raised concerns about academic freedom and the state's role in defining acceptable narratives in a contested region.
Some political leaders allege this order is part of a broader pattern of surveillance and crackdown on dissent. In February, police raided bookstores in Srinagar, seizing hundreds of books, which critics argued often explored conflict and political repression. Altaf Bukhari, leader of the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party, criticized the government's actions, calling it a "wider conspiracy to deprive us our academic content." Conversely, government officials and BJP representatives deny these allegations. Imran Nabi Dar, spokesperson for the National Conference, stated the aim is to prevent controversies in educational institutions, while BJP spokesperson Sunil Sethi argued that glorifying separatists in the name of academic freedom is unacceptable, especially given the restored peace in the region.