Indian‑administered Kashmir Bans Schools’ Books, Sparks Academic Freedom Row
Authorities issued a blanket order demanding every school, college, university and coaching centre review all published material for "objectionable" content that could violate religious sentiments, law or national security.
This directive follows a recent controversy where two books featuring separatist leaders were pulled from school libraries, prompting police arrests and suspensions of education officials.
Opposition figures, academics and students claim the move is an assault on free expression and an attempt to erase Kashmir’s turbulent history from the curriculum. They argue the order might conceal a wider policy of surveillance and control.
The Indian government states its aim is not to restrict reading but to keep controversial material out of classrooms, though critics demand clearer criteria for "objectionable" material.
Amid growing tensions between India and Pakistan, Kashmir remains a flashpoint with a strong security presence. The debate over textbook content continues as stakeholders weigh censorship against academic freedom.
