Mirwaiz criticises book ban in JK, calls it ‘authoritarian and contradicting’

Srinagar: Reacting to the Jammu and Kashmir government’s recent ban on 25 books, including works by Arundhati Roy, A.G. Noorani, and Sumantra Bose, Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Thursday said that such moves will not alter historical truths or erase the lived experiences of the Kashmiri people.

“Banning books by scholars and reputed historians will not erase historical facts and the repertoire of lived memories of people of Kashmir. It only exposes the insecurities and limited understanding of those behind such authoritarian actions,” Mirwaiz said in a statement.

He also pointed to the “irony of the administration” hosting a Book Festival even as it banned literary works. “There is a contradiction in proudly hosting the ongoing Book Festival to showcase its literary commitment while silencing critical voices through bans,” he added.

The government had claimed that the banned books promote a “culture of victimhood” and contribute to youth radicalisation in the region.