Srinagar
The Jammu and Kashmir administration has recently banned 25 books. Opposing this decision, civil society, writer, and various political parties strongly opposed it. They have called it an attack on freedom of expression and democracy.
The administration claims that these books promote false erective and separatist ideologies. After this, the police started raiding many parts of the Kashmir Valley and seizing these books. This step is creating concerns for democracy and freedom of expression in Jammu and Kashmir.
Dispute after ban on books
The dispute in the state has deepened after the Jammu and Kashmir administration banned 25 books. This decision has been opposed by civil society workers, writer community and various political parties across the country. They say that this step has caused a strong attack on freedom of expression in the state. Restricted books include books written by Indian constitutional experts and intellectuals. The administrative move to ban these books has been termed by some people as ‘dictatorship’ and ‘strangulation of democratic voices’.
Administration claim
The Jammu and Kashmir Police said that this step has been taken to prevent the spread of destructive and anti-national materials. Police claim that these books could pose a threat to India’s sovereignty and unity. Srinagar police raided and seized these books. However, many questions are being raised about the move whether the administration is violating democracy and freedom of expression by banning books.
Opposition to writers and political parties
Opposing this ban, prominent writers and political parties have termed it against democracy and culture. David Devdas, whose book ‘in Search of a Future – The Story of Kashmir’ is included in the list, said that banning books is against our culture and concept of democracy. He said that this step is an attempt to suppress the reality and struggle of Kashmir.
Political parties’ stance
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) also opposed the move and called it an attack on freedom of expression. The party alleged that the move is part of the human rights violation in Jammu and Kashmir by the BJP-led Central Government.
History of ban on books
Books have been banned many times in history, whose purpose was to suppress ideas. Writers and civil rights activists consider the move an attack on democracy and freedom of ideas. It is a matter of concern how a state government is trying to control freedom of expression.
Was the ban on books right?
The biggest question of the ban on this books is whether the administration had the right to take such a step? Was this step correct or is it a violation of the fundamental rights given by the Constitution? Keeping in mind the state and national security, this step was taken or was it done due to any political reason? The answer to these questions can be found in the coming days.
Black spot and democracy affect
When Jammu and Kashmir was converted from the state to the Union Territory, the pressure on the rights of the people has been continuously increasing. Following this decision, civil rights groups like Forum for Human Rights have expressed concern that this step can have a serious impact on democracy and freedom.
