Jammu and Kashmir removes over 4,200 college books citing objectionable content

More than 4,200 titles have been taken out of college libraries across Jammu and Kashmir after officials said they contain material deemed objectionable. The bulk of the withdrawals, about 94%, occurred in the Kashmir region, with the remaining books removed from institutions in Jammu. The issue was raised in the state assembly by Langate MLA Sheikh Khursheed, who also leads the Awami Ittehad Party. In reply, the government said it follows a set of transparent rules laid out in a Higher Education Department circular to decide which books should be barred. The circular stresses that colleges must promote constitutional values, critical thinking, scientific outlook and respect for India’s unity and security. A three‑layer review system – at the college, directorate and department levels – examined a total of 21,815,12 titles before the final list was drawn up. After the review, 4,249 books were ordered withdrawn. The department explained that the audit aims to stop the spread of publications that are factually wrong, misleading, inflammatory, illegal or that glorify terrorism, secession or any activity harmful to the nation’s sovereignty and integrity. Sheikh Khursheed criticised the reply for not providing the names of the removed books or their authors and said he will keep pressing the issue. The government maintains that the process safeguards academic standards while protecting national interests.