SRINAGAR: Srinagar Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Wednesday expressed concern over reports claiming that books related to Kashmir’s history and identity were being removed from the University of Kashmir amid the ongoing audit of educational institutions across Jammu and Kashmir.
Taking to X, Ruhullah said that academic spaces should encourage engagement with history and ideas rather than restrict access to knowledge.
“The reports of books relating to Kashmir’s history and identity being removed from the University of Kashmir, alongside the ongoing audit of educational institutions, are deeply troubling. Libraries exist to preserve knowledge, not curate political narratives,” he said.
The reports of books relating to Kashmir’s history and identity being removed from the University of Kashmir, alongside the ongoing audit of educational institutions, are deeply troubling. Libraries exist to preserve knowledge, not curate political narratives. Erasing books does…
— Office of Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi (@Office_ASRM) July 8, 2026
He further said that removing books cannot change historical realities.
“Erasing books does not erase history; it only impoverishes scholarship. A society that fears ideas ultimately fears the truth. Academic freedom and the right to engage with history must never become casualties of ideological control,” Ruhullah added.
His remarks come after Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha ordered a comprehensive audit of educational institutions across Jammu and Kashmir following a controversy over the availability of books and literature allegedly containing “anti-national and separatist” content in educational institutions.
The LG directed authorities to put in place a mechanism to ensure that no books, journals, magazines or other publications carrying such content are procured, distributed or made available in universities, colleges, schools and libraries.
The administration has also directed heads of institutions to review available material and ensure compliance, while calling for a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for screening academic resources.
