J&K Bans Books by Arundhati Roy, AG Noorani Citing Secessionist Content

By Amit Kumar

In a move that has ignited fresh controversy over freedom of expression in India, the Jammu and
Kashmir administration has banned 25 books, including works by renowned Indian authors, alleging
that the literature promotes terrorism, secessionism, and misinformation. The order, issued on
August 5 by the Home Department, claims these books play a key role in radicalising youth in the
region and pose a threat to national sovereignty.
Among the banned works are Azadi by Booker Prize-winning novelist Arundhati Roy, The Kashmir
Dispute: 1947–2012 by legal expert A.G. Noorani, Kashmir at the Crossroads by scholar Sumantra
Bose, and A Dismantled State by veteran journalist Anuradha Bhasin.
The order states that intelligence inputs and investigations have revealed a pattern of systematic
circulation of such material, which authorities claim has played a critical role in `misguiding the
youth’.
“Available evidence based on investigations and credible intelligence unflinchingly indicate that a
significant driver behind youth participation violence and terrorism has been the systematic
dissemination of false narratives and secessionist literature by its persistent internal circulation, often
disguised as historical or political commentary, while playing a critical role in misguiding the youth,
glorifying terrorism and inciting violence against Indian State,” the order reads.
The ban has been enforced under Section 98 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, a provision that
allows forfeiture of literature deemed harmful to national integrity. The administration has directed
immediate removal of the listed titles from shelves, and warned of legal consequences for any
attempts to republish or distribute the material.
“These books can neither be published nor sold, and we will initiate action under the law. If the
publisher prints them again, then it would lead to imprisonment,’’ said Law Secretary Achal Sethi.
The timing of the ban is noteworthy, it comes a day after the sixth anniversary of the abrogation of
Article 370, which revoked the erstwhile state’s special constitutional status. It also coincides with a
literary festival being held in Kashmir, further intensifying debate around the government’s decision.

According to the Home Department, the content in question has far-reaching psychological impact,
especially on young readers.
“Some of how this literature has contributed to the radicalisation of youth in J&K include distortion
of historical facts, glorification of terrorists, vilification of security forces, religious radicalisation,
promotion of alienation, pathway to violence and terrorism, etc.”
The order, signed by Principal Secretary Chandra Shekhar, was issued under the directive of
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
Reacting to the development, Anuradha Bhasin, one of the banned authors, called the order
“bizarre” and politically motivated.
“They are well-recognised authors whose books have been banned. My book challenged the state
narrative over Article 370 revocation. This means if anyone speaks against the government, there will
be action.”