Omar Abdullah's Stand on Book Bans in Jammu & Kashmir

In a recent online exchange, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah voiced disagreement with the Lieutenant Governor administration's decision to ban 25 books. Abdullah emphasized that he has never imposed such bans himself and would not support them.

The Chief Minister responded to criticism on social media, clarifying that the ban was enforced by the Home Department, which falls under the Lieutenant Governor's jurisdiction, and not by his administration. The public discourse arose from accusations against Abdullah, calling for the removal of restrictions on the books.

As per the Home Department order, the banned books include works by prominent authors such as Moulana Moudadi, Arundhati Roy, and A G Noorani. The administration justified the bans by claiming the literature promotes secessionist ideas in Jammu and Kashmir, necessitating action under Section 98 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023.

(With inputs from agencies.)