The Jammu and Kashmir government reports that it has screened about 21.8 lakh books across libraries in the Union territory over roughly the past two months and withdrawn thousands from circulation after identifying “objectionable, anti-national” content. The government tells the Assembly that 4,249 books have been withdrawn, with 1,752 sent for expert examination and 518 banned.
The Hindu reports a similar government statement, saying 21.81 lakh books are screened and that withdrawals from college libraries since July total 4,812. Across sources, the government says it uses “clear and objective criteria” for scrutiny. The actions face political criticism. The Times of India cites criticism from AIP legislator Khursheed Ahmad Sheikh, who alleges that literature related to Kashmir is being targeted, while the government maintains that the review is based on specified content standards rather than selective targeting.
