Jammu and Kashmir launches audit of academic books for separatist content

The University of Jammu ordered a comprehensive audit of all library holdings, offices and digital repositories to remove any material deemed "anti‑national, separatist or objectionable." Departments must submit compliance reports and a committee will draft standard procedures for acquiring academic resources, including regular screening and random checks.

Separately, the Jammu and Kashmir School Education and Higher Education Departments issued a territory‑wide framework directing all government and recognised private schools, colleges, universities and public libraries to conduct academic and content reviews of books, journals, research publications and digital repositories. The circulars prohibit material that is factually inaccurate, inflammatory, promotes terrorism, secessionism or threatens national unity, and assign responsibility for implementation to vice‑chancellors, principals, education officers and librarians.

Both measures follow earlier government actions against books accused of containing pro‑separatist content, including withdrawals from school libraries and arrests of publishers under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.