Three book publishers arrested in Jammu and Kashmir over content controversy
Jammu, July 12: The Counter Intelligence Unit in Jammu has arrested three publishers in connection with an investigation into books that authorities say contain inappropriate material, officials confirmed on Sunday.
The arrests followed coordinated operations in Jammu and Delhi. The publishers are accused of printing and distributing books that allegedly promote separatist ideologies, according to the investigating agency.
On July 4, an FIR was registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) including Section 49 (abetment), 61(2) (criminal conspiracy), 152 (endangering the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India), 196 (promoting enmity and disharmony), and 353 (publishing false statements or rumours), along with Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The case was initiated after two books found in government libraries were reported to glorify separatist leaders.
The books in question are 'Personalities and Legends of J-K' authored by Hilal Ahmad and Santosh Meena, published by Jammu-based Oberoi Book Service; and 'Great Personalities of Jammu and Kashmir' authored by Sushant Giri, published by Delhi-based Anurag Prakashan.
Those arrested include Inderpaul from Oberoi Book Service, and Amardeep Singh and Girish Arora from Noida-based Dominant Publishers. Both publishing houses had previously been blacklisted by the government. Counter-intelligence teams conducted raids on their premises on July 6.
Officials said 123 copies of one book were distributed in Jammu, Ramban, and Udhampur districts, while 128 copies of the other were sent to Jammu and Baramulla districts. Investigators expect further arrests in the coming days.
On July 11, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha suspended eight officials from the School Education Department, dismissed a contractual staff member, and ordered an inquiry into the books. The action followed objections from political parties including the BJP and Congress, who alleged the books glorified separatism. The Education Department said the books were withdrawn on July 3.
The arrests and suspensions represent the government's response to concerns over content that it says could undermine national unity. The publishers and authors have not yet publicly commented on the allegations. The case is under investigation.
