New Delhi: CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP V. Sivadasan on Thursday called for the immediate lifting of the ban on 25 books in Jammu and Kashmir, urging democratic forces across the country to oppose the decision.
Describing the ban as “deeply troubling,” Sivadasan stated, “India is a democratic and secular nation. Such actions go against the very principles our country stands for and must be challenged by all democratic voices.”
On Wednesday, the Jammu and Kashmir government ordered the forfeiture of 25 publications, alleging they promote “false narratives” and “glorify terrorism.” The banned titles include works by prominent authors such as Moulana Maududi, Arundhati Roy, A.G. Noorani, Victoria Schofield, and David Devadas.
Among the banned books are “Al Jihad fil Islam” by Islamic scholar and Jamaat-e-Islami founder Moulana Maududi, “Independent Kashmir” by Australian writer Christopher Snedden, “In Search of a Future: The Story of Kashmir” by David Devadas, “Kashmir in Conflict: India, Pakistan and the Unending War” by Victoria Schofield, “The Kashmir Dispute (1947–2012)” by A.G. Noorani, and “Azadi” by Arundhati Roy.
