SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Police on Friday conducted searches in Srinagar and seized 668 books that authorities said were promoting the ideology of a banned organisation. The police did not specify the author of the books or name the organisation but, according to sources, the literature was linked to “Jamaat-affiliated” ideology.
The operation has triggered strong reactions from political leaders in the region, who have accused the administration of infringing on religious freedoms.
Based on credible intelligence regarding the clandestine sale and distribution of literature promoting the ideology of a banned organization, Police conducted a search in Srinagar, leading to the seizure of 668 books.
Legal action has been initiated under Section 126 of the…— Srinagar Police (@SrinagarPolice) February 14, 2025
The police action was carried out following what they termed as “credible intelligence” regarding the clandestine sale and distribution of literature promoting the ideology of a banned organisation. “Legal action has been initiated under Section 126 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which allows preventive measures against individuals suspected of disturbing public peace,” a police statement said.
Interference in the religious affairs of Kashmiri Muslims is crossing a red line—it is blatant state oppression and intolerance. First the Shab-e-Barat prayers at Jama Masjid were barred and the masjid itself was sealed. 🧵 (1/3)
— Office of Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi (@Office_ASRM) February 14, 2025
The development has drawn sharp criticism from political parties. Jammu Kashmir National Conference leader and Srinagar MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi questioned the state’s intervention in religious matters, linking it to the recent barring of Shab-e-Barat prayers at Jamia Masjid and the subsequent sealing of the mosque. “If that wasn’t enough, now there are reports of police seizing literature by Maulana Maududi. Will the state now dictate what Kashmiris read, learn, and believe? This is an unacceptable overreach. If such an order exists, it must be revoked immediately. The state must stop harassing Kashmiris and meddling in their religious affairs because the cost of this reckless exercise will be heavy,” he said.
Days after a security review meeting in Delhi vicious raids were conducted throughout book stores in Srinagar. Under the garb of ‘security’ all sorts of Kafkaesque oppressive measures are being unleashed on Kashmiris. Now even the freedom to read & consume information is being… https://t.co/hD4jHVdDEI
— Iltija Mufti (@IltijaMufti_) February 14, 2025
People’s Democratic Party leader Iltija Mufti also condemned the move, calling it “vicious.” “Under the garb of security, all sorts of Kafkaesque oppressive measures are being unleashed on Kashmiris. Now even the freedom to read and consume information is being violated. Are we merely sheep or cattle that need to be herded?” she asked.
The elephant in the room vis-a-vis these books raids is that all of the 600 books seized have been authored by Abul Aala Maududi a renowned Islamic scholar & more importantly the founder of Jamaat – -e – Islami. A religious organisation that has done commendable social work in…
— Iltija Mufti (@IltijaMufti_) February 14, 2025
Mufti further pointed out that the seized books were authored by Abul Aala Maududi, a renowned Islamic scholar and the founder of (now banned) Jamaat-e-Islami. “Jamaat-e-Islami has done commendable social work in Kashmir and also participated in the recently held state elections,” she said, arguing that targeting the organisation was part of a larger crackdown.
Jamaat-e-Islami, a religious-political organisation, has been banned in Jammu and Kashmir for the last six years. In the recently held elections for Jammu Kashmir’s first Assembly, its representatives had contested in an attempt to push for the revocation of the ban but failed to secure any seats.
The police’s action has reignited the debate over religious freedom and state intervention in Kashmir. Opposition leaders have warned that such measures could lead to further alienation and unrest in the region. The authorities, however, maintain that the raid was conducted as part of routine efforts to curb the spread of banned ideologies.
