Kashmir Authorities Order Sweeping Review of School Books, Sparking Backlash

Officials in Indian-administered Kashmir demand institutions screen for 'objectionable' material, raising fears over censorship.

Authorities in Indian-administered Kashmir have ordered educational institutions to review every book on their premises for objectionable content, the BBC reported, a directive that has ignited a political and cultural row in the region.

The order requires schools and colleges to inspect their libraries and remove material deemed unacceptable, according to the BBC, though the criteria for what counts as objectionable were not detailed in the reporting.

The move has drawn criticism from educators and residents wary of overreach in a region where authorities have long faced accusations of restricting speech and press freedom. Kashmir has been the site of recurring tension between local institutions and government authorities over control of information and public discourse.

The scope of the review — covering "every book" on campus, per the BBC — suggests an unusually broad sweep compared with past efforts to regulate curricular materials in Indian schools. It was not clear from available reporting how quickly institutions would be expected to comply or what consequences they might face for noncompliance.

The directive adds to a pattern of tightened oversight in the Indian-administered territory, which has been under heightened security and administrative control in recent years.

— Compiled from reporting by the BBC.