Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government has declared 25 books, authored by prominent writers including Moulana Moududi, Arundhati Roy, A.G. Noorani, Victoria Schofield, and David Devadas, as forfeited on the grounds of “promoting false narratives and glorifying terrorism.”
According to an official order issued by the Home Department on Wednesday, the government has found that certain publications disseminate misleading information and advocate secessionist ideologies in Jammu and Kashmir.
The order states that evidence gathered through investigations and credible intelligence sources “unflinchingly indicates” that the systematic circulation of such literature—often presented under the guise of historical or political commentary—has played a key role in inciting violence and drawing youth toward terrorism.
Such materials, it adds, contribute significantly to “misguiding the youth, glorifying terrorism, and inciting violence” against the Indian state. These writings are said to foster a sense of grievance, victimhood, and hero-worship of terrorists, thereby negatively affecting the psyche of young individuals.
The order further outlines the various ways in which these publications have allegedly radicalized youth in the region, including: distortion of historical facts, glorification of militants, vilification of security forces, promotion of religious extremism, encouragement of alienation, and incitement to violence.
In this context, 25 specific books have been identified as promoting a “false narrative and secessionism” and are therefore subject to forfeiture under Section 98 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.
Additionally, the content of these books has been deemed to promote secessionist sentiments and threaten the sovereignty and integrity of India, thus attracting charges under Sections 152, 196, and 197 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
“Accordingly, in exercise of powers conferred under Section 98 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir hereby declares the publication and circulation of these 25 books, along with their copies or related materials, as forfeited to the state,” the order concludes.
Among the listed books are:
Al Jihadul fil Islam by Moulana Moududi, founder of Jamaat-e-Islami
Independent Kashmir by Australian author Christopher Snedden
In Search of a Future (The Story of Kasimir) by David Devadas
Kashmir in Conflict (India, Pakistan and the Unending War) by Victoria Schofield
The Kashmir Dispute (1947–2012) by A.G. Noorani
Azadi by Arundhati Roy
