J&K book controversy: Jammu University bans blacklisted authors, publishers

Jammu University banned three authors (Hilal Ahmad, Santosh Meena, Sushant Giri) and two publishers (Oberoi Book Service, Anurag Prakashan).

The ban follows a Jammu and Kashmir government order (no. 257-JK(Edu) of 2026) blacklisting them for publishing books glorifying separatists and terrorists.

The university directed all departments to withdraw any printed material by these authors and publishers from campus.

A comprehensive audit and inspection must be conducted to ensure no such material remains in university offices, departments, or libraries.

A committee will be formed to create a Standard Operating Procedure for book procurement, including screening mechanisms to prevent objectionable content.