In India, 25 books were banned and raids were conducted in Kashmir

• 25 banned books prompted raids in Kashmir.
• Among the authors of the banned books is Arundhati Roy.
• The raids targeted even street vendors selling books.

The police in the Indian region of Kashmir conducted raids in bookstores after the government banned 25 books, accusing them of promoting "separatism." The ban was announced by the administration headed by the government of Narinder Modi.

Among the authors of the banned books is the laureate of the Booker Prize, Arundhati Roy, and others. The government claims that these works "undermine the sovereignty and integrity of India" and "desensitize the youth." For selling or owning these books, severe penalties are threatened.

The raids took place in all towns, including Srinagar, where the police seized the banned publications. The government stated that the action was taken due to "systematic dissemination of false narratives."

The leader of the separatists, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, condemned the ban, calling it "authoritarian." He emphasized that the banned books do not erase historical facts. It is noted that Kashmir is one of the most militarized regions in the world, where the struggle for independence has been ongoing since 1947.

The banned books and raids have become part of a broader campaign to restrict freedom of speech in the region, where human rights are systematically violated. Human rights advocates, such as Amnesty India, have stated that this issue concerns not only Kashmir but freedom of expression as a whole.

Tags: Politics/Culture