India mandates sweeping book review in Kashmir schools and libraries

The government of India‑administered Kashmir issued an order on July 9 requiring every educational institution in the region to vet books, journals, dissertations, doctoral theses and digital resources for "objectionable" content. The directive bars material that is deemed misleading, inflammatory, extremist, secessionist or otherwise harmful to the nation’s sovereignty, unity and security.

The review, originally limited to school libraries, was expanded to include university collections and digital repositories after a BJP politician, Sunil Sharma, called for a ban on the book *Personalities and Legends of J&K*. The move follows the 2019 revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s semi‑autonomous status and reflects a broader crackdown on institutions, activists and journalists in the disputed territory claimed by both India and Pakistan.