Book Ban in Kashmir? Police Seize Over 600 Islamic Books in Srinagar Raids

On 13 February, police in Srinagar raided bookstores and seized over 600 books written by Islamic scholar Syed Abul A’la Maududi. The crackdown targeted literature linked to Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), which has been banned in Kashmir, sparking fears of censorship among booksellers. While JI India supports India’s claim over Kashmir, JI Kashmir advocates a referendum, making it a contentious issue. Authorities justified the raids based on “credible intelligence” but provided no detailed explanation. The seizures come after JI-backed candidates failed to win election seats, raising suspicions about political motives.

Despite being legally sold across India with official ISBNs, the books were confiscated only in Kashmir, leading to concerns over self-censorship among booksellers. The move follows India’s 2019 revocation of Kashmir’s semi-autonomous status, further tightening control over the region. A similar incident recently saw three women detained for distributing Qurans and hijabs, fueling debates on religious freedom. Critics argue that banning Islamic literature will only increase public interest in it.

Book Ban in Kashmir? Police Seize Over 600 Islamic Books in Srinagar Raids

On February 13, police in Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian-administered Kashmir, conducted a series of raids targeting bookstores instead of individuals. These operations led to the confiscation of over 600 books, primarily the works of renowned Islamic scholar Syed Abul A’la Maududi. Unlike previous crackdowns focused on so-called “anti-India” activities, this time the authorities went after Islamic literature, raising serious concerns about religious freedom and the right to knowledge.

According to local booksellers, police officers, both in uniform and plain clothes, entered multiple stores in Srinagar’s bustling Lal Chowk area and specifically searched for Maududi’s books. Without any explanations, they seized them and left, leaving booksellers in shock and fear. Many shop owners now hesitate to stock Islamic literature, afraid of potential legal trouble. The targeting of religious books in a region with a deep-rooted Islamic heritage has fueled widespread outrage.

The Importance of Maududi’s Literature and the Context of the Ban

Syed Abul A’la Maududi, a highly respected Islamic scholar, was the founder of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), an organization dedicated to the propagation of Islamic teachings and values. Established in 1941 in British India, JI later divided into separate branches in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh following partition. While JI India aligns with the Indian government’s stance that Kashmir is an integral part of the country, JI Kashmir holds that the region’s political status should be determined through a referendum under UN supervision.

In 2019, the Indian government imposed a five-year ban on JI Kashmir, claiming security concerns, and recently extended the ban for another five years. Authorities accuse the group of promoting separatism, particularly due to its historical participation in elections and its alleged ties to resistance movements. However, JI Kashmir firmly rejects these allegations, stating that its mission is rooted in peaceful advocacy for Islamic values and justice.

The book seizures come at a time when internal shifts within JI have led some members to establish a new political party that operates within the Indian Constitution. While such political changes are taking place, the suppression of Maududi’s literature appears to be an attempt to stifle Islamic thought and knowledge. These books, legally published and available throughout India, even carry International Standard Book Numbers (ISBNs), which are issued by the Raja Rammohun Roy National Agency, the body responsible for regulating book publishing in the country. Despite this, authorities have chosen to remove them from Kashmir alone, furthering the perception of religious discrimination.

Freedom of Expression Under Threat

The police have not provided a clear reason for these confiscations, apart from vaguely citing “credible intelligence” regarding literature linked to a banned group. This justification fails to hold ground, as Maududi’s books are widely available across India and beyond. In response to the crackdown, people have taken to social media, sharing digital copies of the seized books and encouraging others to preserve Islamic knowledge. Attempts to ban religious books have historically failed, as suppression only strengthens people’s determination to seek and spread the truth.

Political analysts warn that such actions could lead to widespread self-censorship among booksellers, who may refrain from stocking Islamic literature out of fear. This suppression is not just about books—it is about controlling religious expression and limiting the knowledge that shapes the identity of Kashmir’s Muslim population. By targeting Maududi’s works, authorities seem to be attacking the very essence of Islamic teachings, which emphasize justice, unity, and moral guidance.

A Broader Crackdown on Islamic Expression

The book seizures are part of a larger effort to reshape Kashmir’s socio-political landscape, particularly following the 2019 revocation of Article 370, which stripped the region of its semi-autonomous status. Since then, there has been a systematic clampdown on Islamic institutions, organizations, and voices advocating for justice. The recent detention of three women in Srinagar, who were simply distributing free copies of the Quran and hijabs, further underscores the growing restrictions on religious expression.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a prominent pro-freedom leader, has strongly condemned these actions, questioning how a government that claims to uphold democracy can justify banning Islamic books. “What kind of democracy is this where the state decides what people can and cannot read?” he asked, emphasizing that restricting religious literature will not stop people from accessing it, especially in the digital age.

Islamic Knowledge Must Not Be Suppressed

Islamic teachings emphasize the pursuit of knowledge, and the banning of religious books is an outright violation of fundamental rights. The words of scholars like Maududi are meant to guide Muslims toward a righteous life, helping them understand their faith in a deeper and more meaningful way. Suppressing such knowledge is not only unjust but also counterproductive. Throughout history, attempts to restrict Islamic literature have failed, as truth and knowledge always find a way to reach those who seek them.

The targeting of Islamic books in Kashmir is a direct assault on religious freedom. It sets a dangerous precedent where the state dictates what religious knowledge can be shared, learned, and practiced. The Muslim community in Kashmir and beyond must stand against such oppression and ensure that Islamic teachings continue to thrive. Knowledge is a pillar of Islam, and no force should be allowed to suppress it.