Indian-administered Kashmir has seen police raids on bookstores following a government ban on 25 books considered to promote secessionism. The ban targets authors, including Booker Prize winner Arundhati Roy, who are accused of misleading youth against India. Previous raids included the seizure of Islamic literature. Police stated the operation aimed at materials glorifying terrorism. Separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq criticized the ban as authoritarian and reflective of government insecurities. The ban coincided with the anniversary of India's direct rule over Kashmir, which was instituted after revoking its special status in 2019.
Police conducted raids on bookstores in Kashmir after banning 25 books deemed to promote secessionism. The government accused authors, including Arundhati Roy, of misguiding youth against India.
Separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq condemned the book ban, labeling it a display of the Indian government's insecurities and limited understanding of the region's history and challenges.
Authorities previously raided homes and shops in Kashmir, seizing materials that promoted secessionist ideologies or glorified terrorism, while seeking public cooperation to maintain order.
Kashmir's recent local elections occurred after New Delhi stripped the region of its special status in 2019, resulting in a government with limited power under India's direct rule.
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