After book ban, J&K Police conduct extensive searches across Kashmir

Even as the Jammu and Kashmir Home Department’s order to ban 25 books, including those by prominent authors, is facing criticism in the Valley and beyond, the J&K Police on Thursday carried searches in several districts to “confiscate” banned literature.

On August 5, the Jammu and Kashmir administration, on the direction of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, banned 25 books—including those by prominent authors such as Arundhati Roy and AG Noorani—citing allegations that these books propagate false narratives and promote secessionism in the Union Territory.

Srinagar police in a statement said raids were conducted in various bookshops for search and forfeiture of banned books across the district under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

In South Kashmir’s Anantnag district also, police carried out enforcement drive in compliance with the Home Department’s directive. “The action aimed to identify and curb materials that glorify terrorism, distort historical facts, and vilify security forces—factors recognised as contributing to youth radicalisation,” the police said in a statement.

In Kulgam district, police warned bookshop owners against stocking or distributing prohibited content. “They were also sensitised about the legal consequences of violating these directives and instructed to strictly follow the guidelines,” the police added. Similar searches were conducted in other parts of the Valley.

Meanwhile, Hurriyat Conference chairman and chief cleric of Jamia Masjid, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, criticised the ban, stating that banning books by scholars and reputed historians “will not erase historical facts and the repertoire of lived memories of the people of Kashmir.” He added, “It only exposes the insecurities and limited understanding of those behind such authoritarian actions, and the contradiction in proudly hosting the ongoing Book Festival to showcase its literary commitment!” he wrote on X.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti wrote on X: “Democracy thrives on the free exchange of ideas. Banning books cannot erase history , it only fuels division. In Kashmir, suppressing democratic voices and fundamental freedoms deepens alienation and mistrust. Censorship doesn’t silence ideas it amplifies their resonance.”

Another PDP leader Muntazir Mehdi described the book ban as “the most widespread form of censorship.” He said, “People should decide for themselves what to read based on their interests, sensibilities, and values.” Mehdi added, “The state should have no right to suppress what others read or make those decisions for others. Book banning infringes on everyone’s intellectual rights and threatens the core of our freedoms.”