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Jammu and Kashmir Bans 25 Books, Sparks Outrage

8/8/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In a controversial move, the Jammu and Kashmir government has banned 25 books, including notable works by Arundhati Roy and A.G. Noorani, alleging they incite secessionism and jeopardize national unity. Police swiftly raided bookstores to confiscate the titles, igniting fierce backlash from authors and civil rights advocates who decry this act as a grave infringement on free speech.

History

Historical Context

The Maintenance of Internal Security Act, enacted in India in 1976, enabled censorship and preventive detention, suppressing dissent and impacting activists like Arundhati Roy. The recent ban on 25 books in Jammu and Kashmir reflects this historical trend, as authorities cite threats to national unity, raising significant concerns about civil liberties and the ongoing struggle for freedom of expression in India.

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Story summary

In a controversial move, the Jammu and Kashmir government has banned 25 books, including notable works by Arundhati Roy and A.G. Noorani, alleging they incite secessionism and jeopardize national unity. Police swiftly raided bookstores to confiscate the titles, igniting fierce backlash from authors and civil rights advocates who decry this act as a grave infringement on free speech.

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