Overview
- The review follows complaints about two school-library books that were withdrawn and the suspension of eight education officials after authorities said the titles glorified separatist leaders.
- Police have registered an FIR under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and arrested three people linked to the disputed books as investigators examine how the works were procured and distributed.
- Education and higher‑education departments have issued circulars that assign responsibilities to vice-chancellors, principals, chief education officers and librarians and set short reporting deadlines for institutions to flag 'objectionable' material.
- Academics and regional politicians warn the directive uses a vague 'objectionable' standard that will encourage self-censorship, narrow what can be taught about Kashmir’s history, and chill research and library holdings.
- The move builds on earlier bans and comes after New Delhi revoked Kashmir’s special autonomous status in 2019, and the use of the UAPA raises the legal stakes for publishers, teachers and librarians.