India’s Fresh Attempt to Rewrite Kashmir’s History Exposed

India is facing fresh criticism over an alleged attempt to change the historical narrative of Kashmir.

According to an editorial by Middle East Eye, historical facts about Kashmir are being removed as authorities carry out a major crackdown on books in libraries across the region.

An audit of books and digital archives has reportedly begun in public libraries and educational institutions in occupied Kashmir. Authorities have ordered the removal of material labeled as “anti-national,” “separatist” or “objectionable.”

Following objections from the BJP, two books distributed in more than 250 schools were reportedly ordered to be withdrawn. Eight education department officials were suspended, while investigations were launched against the authors and publishers.

The two publishers were reportedly blacklisted, and authorities also ordered the removal of their previously published books from the market.

Kashmiri intellectuals have criticized the library audits, calling them a new campaign against academic freedom and critical research. Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said that banning books cannot erase historical facts or the memories of the Kashmiri people.

Middle East Eye reported that censorship, surveillance and restrictions on intellectual freedom in Kashmir have increased since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. The report said that a ban on 25 books last year and the ongoing library audits have further tightened state control over educational institutions.