How two ‘objectionable’ books trigger a crackdown on J&K’s varsity and college libraries | Explained

The Story So Far

Two books published under the library grant of the central scheme, Samagra Shiksha, in Jammu and Kashmir were on July 7 identified as ones that contained “inappropriate” and “objectionable” contents. One of them is “Personalities and Legends of J&K”, authored by Hilal Ahmad and Santosh

Meena and published by Oberoi Book Service, Jammu. Another is “Great Personalities of Jammu and Kashmir”, authored by Sushant Giri and published by Anurag Prakashan, Delhi. In one of the books, separatist leaders like Tehreek-e-Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Democratic Freedom Party chief Shabir Ahmad Shah, Muslim League Jammu Kashmir chief Masarat Alam and J&K Liberation Front founder Maqbool Bhat are profiled. The book refers to J&K as “India Occupied”, “India held” and “India administered” and praises the separatist leaders for their role in Kashmir’s history.

What is status of the books?

The books evoked a sharp reaction in the Jammu province, especially from the BJP. In the face of public outcry, these books were withdrawn. Around 251 copies of these books were already circulated among the schools in J&K. The J&K administration said the introduction of these books was a result of “serious negligence, dereliction of duty and lack of proper due diligence”, and blamed the members of the Sub Committee, which approved it. Eight officials, including coordinator library, academic officer and lecturers, were suspended. One person, who worked as a Computer Assistant, was disengaged with immediate effect from his contractual engagement. The authors and publishers were banned and blacklisted. Any printed material authored and published by them shall also be withdrawn from the Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, said officials.

Why is case booked under UAPA?

The J&K Police lodged a First Information Report (FIR) in Jammu and invoked sections of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). The FIR followed the Lieutenant Governor’s order where it was underlined that such books, which contained content related to separatism, has “potential for creating law and order situations”. The J&K Police’s special cell, Counter Intelligence Jammu (CIJ) raided several locations in Jammu and Noida and questioned officials in-charge of the central scheme. However, no arrests have been made in the case. The police have also failed to trace credentials of one of the authors.

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What is fallout of the case?

The J&K administration has come up with stringent rules for all educational institutes, including varsities and colleges, on selection of academic books. According to the School Education Department and Higher Education Department, a new framework will strengthen institutional mechanisms for evaluation, recommendation, circulation, retention and periodic review of educational resources across all schools, colleges, universities and public libraries. It underlined that all books remain consistent with the Constitution of India, laws in force, National Education Policy. It warns against including books directly or indirectly promotes, glorifies, legitimises or justifies terrorism, violent extremism, secessionism, radicalisation or any activity prejudicial to the sovereignty, unity, integrity and security of the Nation.

How will new mechanism function?

The J&K government has decided to come up with multi-tier academic and content scrutiny mechanisms. All Vice Chancellors, Principals of Colleges, Chief Education Officers, Zonal Education Officers and Heads of Institutions, librarians, school managements and other academic authorities have been directed to “ensure compliance within their respective jurisdictions, and any omission, negligence or deviation from the prescribed procedures shall be viewed with utmost seriousness”. The government said such an exercise will reinforce academic standards, strengthen institutional accountability, preserve the integrity of the educational ecosystem and establish a transparent, objective and uniform framework.

Why has it created unease?

Scholars in Kashmir termed the administration’s move as purging the educational system of even genuine academic books. Many are worried it will impact academic rigour and research and limit the scope of scholarship. Ruling National Conference Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah said erasing books does not erase history. He warned that it would only impoverish scholarship. The MP said a society that fears ideas ultimately fears the truth. “Academic freedom and the right to engage with history must never become casualties of ideological control,” said Mr. Ruhullah. He also seconded the scholars in Kashmir that “books relating to Kashmir’s history and identity” were being removed from the University of Kashmir. “Libraries exist to preserve knowledge, not curate political narratives,” he added. Last year, KU removed all 25 books authored by Christopher Snedden, A.G. Noorani, Sumantra Bose, Ayesha Jalal, Sugata Bose, Arundhati Roy, Stephen P Cohen, Anuradha Bhasin, Seema Qazi, etc, in the wake of an official ban over “exciting secessions, endangering and integrity of India” and “propagating false narrative and secessionism in J&K”.