Jammu: On Monday, Jammu and Kashmir Police conducted searches at various bookshops throughout Rajouri district to confiscate 25 books recently banned by the Lieutenant Governor’s administration in the Union Territory.
A police official stated, “Extensive searches were carried out at multiple locations across the district to locate and seize books prohibited by the competent authority.”
This action aims to stop the circulation of the banned literature. The public, especially bookshop owners, have been warned not to buy or sell any of the prohibited titles.
“Those found buying or selling these books will face strict legal action under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNS),” the officer added.
Last week, the Jammu and Kashmir administration banned 25 books, accusing them of “promoting false narratives and glorifying terrorism.”
According to an order from the Home Department, these books—including works by well-known authors such as Maulana Moudadi, Arundhati Roy, A.G. Noorani, Victoria Schofield, and David Devadas—are said to promote secessionism in Jammu and Kashmir and have been declared forfeited under Section 98 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023.
The ban sparked widespread criticism, with a PDF containing all the prohibited books quickly circulating on social media.
Responding to the ban, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah posted on X, “I have never banned books and I never would.”
