Book Ban in Jammu and Kashmir: 25 Titles Removed from Libraries and Schools

In Jammu and Kashmir, a new controversy has started after the government ordered the removal of 25 books from schools and public libraries. Officials say some parts of these books has “objectionable” material, and that’s why they had to actions against it.

The list of banned titles is not been widely published, but it includes a mix of Indian and foreign authors. These books discuss religion, politics, and history in ways that the administration believes could disturb peace and are anti-national in nature. One of the Author includes Arundhati Roy who's books are banned from institutions.

The order is not just for government institutions, it also covers private schools and public libraries. In many places, teachers and librarians have already removed the books. Others are still in the process of doing so.

Reactions from the public are divided. Some parents and teachers say the step is justified. In their view, kids don’t need books that could twist their thinking or pass on half-baked ideas. Others, however, believe the move is a direct hit on freedom of thought and expression.

One retired school principal put it this way: “You can’t close every window just because some dust might blow in.” A younger teacher I spoke to disagreed, saying, “If the dust is harmful, then shutting the window is the smart thing to do.”

Book bans are not new in India. In the past, different states have restricted books for reasons like public interest, morality, or national security. But these bans often make people more interested about the books, leading to high unofficial circulation.

For now, the Jammu and Kashmir administration is standing firm, saying the move is about protecting students’ mental and moral development. Whether that’s seen as safeguarding or censorship — that’s a debate which, clearly, isn’t ending anytime soon.