Jammu & Kashmir pulls 4,249 books and sends 1,752 for expert review

Sakina Itoo, the education minister of Jammu & Kashmir, reported that authorities have screened over 21.8 lakh books for content deemed objectionable, resulting in the removal of 4,249 titles from public, school and college libraries. Another 1,752 books are slated for detailed expert examination. This extensive review was ordered in July after the Union territory administration pulled two books it labeled highly inappropriate.

One outlet effort builds on a previous ban of 25 books by the home department for promoting a false narrative and secessionist views, bringing the total number of prohibited titles to 518. Of the withdrawn books, 3,996 originated from the Kashmir region and 253 from Jammu. Lawmaker Khursheed Ahmad Sheikh questioned the process, alleging that Kashmir-related literature is being systematically removed, and demanded a list of the titles. Itoo responded that clear, objective criteria are being applied to safeguard constitutional values and respect for India's sovereignty.