Police Seize Over 600 Books Linked to Banned Organization in Kashmir

Authorities in Indian-administered Kashmir have seized over 600 books written by or about Abul Ala Maududi, the influential 20th-century Islamic scholar and founder of Jamaat-e-Islami, one of the largest religious organizations in South Asia.

In a statement posted on X, police in Srinagar confirmed the operation, citing concerns over the clandestine sale and distribution of literature promoting the ideology of a banned organization. The operation resulted in the seizure of 668 books from various locations in the city.

“Legal action has been initiated under Section 126 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, which allows a magistrate to intervene if authorities fear a breach of peace,” the statement read.

Raids on Major Bookstores

According to sources, police raided several major bookstores in Srinagar, specifically targeting books authored by Maududi and other scholars associated with Jamaat-e-Islami.

Jamaat-e-Islami Kashmir was declared an “unlawful association” by the Indian government on February 28, 2019, just months before the region’s special status was revoked in August 2019. The ban, originally imposed for five years, was extended for another five years in February 2024.

The organization had been politically active in Kashmir for decades and was widely perceived as having links with Hizbul Mujahideen, the largest militant group operating in the region. However, in the early 2000s, Jamaat distanced itself from Hizbul, stating that it no longer had any ties to armed militancy but continued to advocate for a negotiated settlement of the Kashmir dispute under UN resolutions.

Government Crackdown Continues

Despite some former members contesting the recent assembly elections, authorities have maintained a strict stance against Jamaat-e-Islami cadres. The seizure of these books is seen as part of the government’s broader efforts to restrict the organization’s influence in the region.

Officials have not disclosed whether further raids or arrests will follow, but the crackdown highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding banned groups in Kashmir and the Indian government’s determination to control narratives associated with them.

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