Srinagar, Aug 6 — The Jammu and Kashmir administration has declared 25 books as “forfeited” for allegedly spreading false narratives and promoting secessionism in the Union Territory, citing their role in influencing youth and endangering national integrity.
A notification issued under S.O. 203 by the Government of J&K states that investigations and credible intelligence inputs suggest these books play a significant role in radicalising youth, glorifying terrorism, distorting historical facts, and inciting violence against the Indian state.
The order, issued under Section 98 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, says the literature—often camouflaged as historical or political commentary—has been systematically circulated to mislead young minds. It further states that the content promotes grievance culture, victimhood, and terrorist heroism, while vilifying security forces and encouraging alienation and religious radicalisation.
The notification explicitly links the literature to efforts aimed at undermining the sovereignty and integrity of India, thereby invoking Sections 152, 196, and 197 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023.
Literature as a Tool of Radicalisation
“Some of the means by which this literature has contributed to the radicalization of youth in J&K include distortion of historical facts, glorification of terrorists, vilification of security forces, religious radicalization, promotion of alienation, pathway to violence and terrorism,” the notification reads.
The administration has cited the systematic dissemination of such narratives as a “critical driver” behind youth participation in violence and terrorism in the region.
Books to be Forfeited
The order mandates that all copies and related documents of these books be forfeited to the government.
The move marks one of the first major uses of the new criminal law framework, replacing the Indian Penal Code, and aligns with a broader policy approach to monitor and regulate content deemed harmful to national unity.
