J&K govt withdraws 6519 books, examines over 21 lakh books, MLA Langate demands details and who ordered the removal

Awami Itihaad Party MLA from Langate constituency of northern Kashmir Sheikh Khursheed on Tuesday questioned the removal of thousands of books from libraries of colleges and institutions under the Higher Education Department, alleging that the government had failed to provide details about the authors, publishers and titles of the books through a starred question in the Jammu and Kashmir legislative assembly.

Khursheed said he had raised a starred question in the ongoing Assembly session seeking details of books that had either been banned or removed from libraries and colleges across J&K

The AIP legislator alleged that the question was deliberately kept back, denying him an opportunity to seek further clarification from the government.


“Approximately 6,519 books have been removed,” said Khursheed while reffering to the answer received from the government. He said the government, however, did not provide details such as the titles of the books, names of authors, subjects or publishing houses.

Khursheed said the lack of such details raised serious questions about the basis on which the books were removed and whether the exercise could have implications for the preservation of J&K's history, literature and academic record.

As per the government response to Khursheed's question the administration has examined 21,81,582 books across J&K with 932941 books in Jammu divison and 1248641 in Kashmir divison.

The administration informed that 518 banned books were withdrawn from circulation including 40 from Jammu and 478 from Kashmir. As per the government reply other than the banned books at least 4249 books were withdrawn including 253 in Jammu and 3996 in Kashmir.

They further said that 1752 books have been referred for expert examination to director colleges including 538 in Jammu and 1214 in Kashmir.

The administration in response to Khursheed's question stated that reason for initiation of such action is that the higher education institutions constitute centers of higher learning, research, academic excellence and are expected to foster and environment that upholds constitutional values, academic freedom, critical thinking, scientific temper, responsible citizenship and respect for the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.

“This is a serious issue. When the Assembly session resumes, we will once again ask the government to provide the complete list of these books...the administration must clarify who authorised the removal of the books and under what policy or criteria the decisions were taken," said Khursheed.

He also questioned the BJP led central government over what he described as a restrictive approach towards books and literature in J&K

"Government could not, on one hand, speak about protecting freedom of expression while taking measures that restricted access to literature relating to Kashmir," said Khursheed.

The AIP leaders also criticised Omar Abdullah led elected government in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that the government had remained silent over the issue and was facilitating or legitimising measures taken by the Union government.

In its reply the administration has also annexed the orders issued regarding content verification, academic evaluation, circulation and periodic audit of the books in government and private degree colleges and public funded libraries. The administration has also annexed the format of the 'certificate of academic and content verification' to be furnished by head of institution/principal and 'certificate of verification and compliance' to be furnished by director colleges, J&K.