Khamenei’s prison diary draws crowds at Kashmir book festival
A prison diary attributed to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is attracting significant interest at the ongoing Chinar Book Festival in Srinagar. The book, titled Cell No. 14, recounts Khamenei’s imprisonment under the Shah’s regime and has become a sought-after title at the stall run by the Mutahhari Fikri Wa Saqafati Markaz.
The festival, organised by the National Book Trust (NBT) at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) on the banks of Dal Lake, has seen a daily footfall of over 20,000 visitors since it began on July 18. The stall reports selling dozens of copies daily, with one buyer from the Chenab Valley purchasing 60 copies.
“Cell No. 14 is Khamenei’s autobiography. It offers insight into what revolutionaries endured under the Shah and provides context to understand Iran’s government and its resolve,” said Rashid Ahmad, a student at Kashmir University.
Interest in the book extends beyond Shia readers. Sunni visitors have also shown curiosity about Iranian literature. “Reading about the shapers of modern Iran is essential to understand how the country has blended democracy with clerical leadership,” said Faiz Khan, a political science student.
The third edition of the Chinar Book Festival, inaugurated by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, features over 200 publishers displaying books in English, Urdu, Kashmiri, Hindi, and other Indian languages. It will conclude on July 26.
The festival has drawn attention from authorities amid concerns over separatist content. Organisers have been required to submit daily lists of books on display to ensure no anti-India material is available. This follows last year’s ban on 25 books in the region for allegedly promoting secessionist narratives.
Despite these restrictions, the festival has seen robust participation from publishers, including several Shia groups setting up stalls for the first time. “We had a very good response this year. Peak footfall exceeded 20,000 daily,” said Dr. Amit Wanchoo, chief convener of the festival.
