Indian Police Seize Hundreds of Islamic Books in Kashmir

Police in Kashmir have conducted widespread raids on bookstores, seizing over 650 books written by Abul A’la Maududi, a notable Islamic scholar and founder of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami organization. The authorities justified the raids, stating they were based on credible intelligence regarding the distribution of literature linked to a banned group, which has faced significant scrutiny since its 2019 designation as an unlawful association by the Indian government. The crackdown has provoked strong backlash from local Muslim leaders, who argue that it infringes on freedom of expression and is an ineffective attempt to control thought in an era of digital access. Prominent clerics, including Umar Farooq, have condemned the police action, calling it arbitrary and emphasizing that the moral content of the seized books promotes responsible citizenship. Critics view the ongoing repression as part of India's broader strategy to suppress dissent in the region, which has been historically contentious between India and Pakistan. This latest incident underscores the escalating tensions and human rights concerns in Kashmir amidst governmental efforts to reinforce control over the territory.