The Minister of Education for Jammu and Kashmir, Sakina Itu, informed the assembly on Tuesday that over 218 thousand books were reviewed in the last two months for 'content that is contradictory.' As a result of the inspection, 4249 books from public, school, and university libraries were seized, and another 1752 editions were sent for 'expert review.'
This inspection process began after the Department of Education and Universities received an order in July to check all books—both new and old—located in offices, classrooms, staff rooms, and libraries. Previously, the administration of the Union territory had withdrawn two books deemed 'highly inappropriate.'
A year ago, the Department of Home Affairs banned 25 books concerning Kashmir, asserting that they promoted 'false narratives,' 'secessionism,' and 'anti-state' views. To date, authorities have banned and seized 518 books. Of the total 4249 seized editions, 3996 were from Kashmir, and 253 were from Jammu.
This data was presented in response to a question by legislative member Qurshid Ahmad Sheikh, representing the Awami Ittihad party, who is imprisoned at Engineer Rashid's facility. Sheikh accused the government of seizing books related to Kashmir. He stated: 'I have everything related to the Kashmir issue, or Kashmir is being removed from university and college libraries. Even books by great writers about Kashmir are being removed... Do they really want a bookless society in Kashmir?'
Sheikh demanded that the government disclose the titles of the seized books, stating: 'They must tell us which books are being withdrawn and why.' He also accused the Omar Abdullah government of facilitating what he called a 'large-scale targeted seizure of books and literature concerning Kashmir.'
In a written response, Itu explained that 'clear and objective criteria' are used to identify unacceptable material. She noted that the book review is a 'labor-intensive process' and will take more time. Furthermore, she emphasized that higher education institutions must promote constitutional values, responsible citizenship, and respect for the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.