The Crossbill News Desk
The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Friday (February 14) seized over 600 books in Srinagar, claiming they promoted the ideology of a banned organization.
The police, however, did not specify the author or the group in question, but said that the books were affiliated with the 'Jamaat ideology,' The Indian Express reported.
“Based on credible intelligence regarding the clandestine sale and distribution of literature promoting the ideology of a banned organisation, police conducted a search in Srinagar, leading to the seizure of 668 books,” the Srinagar police said in a statement.
Legal proceedings have been initiated under Section 126 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, which deals with actions against individuals suspected of disturbing public peace.
Political Parties Condemn Action
The move has sparked criticism from various political parties in Jammu and Kashmir. National Conference (NC) MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi questioned the police action, pointing out that it came shortly after authorities barred Shab-e-Barat prayers and sealed Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid.
"If that wasn’t enough, there are reports of police seizing literature by Maulana Maududi. Will the state now dictate what Kashmiris read, learn, and believe? This is an unacceptable overreach. If such an order exists, it must be revoked immediately. The state must stop harassing Kashmiris and meddling in their religious affairs, because the cost of this reckless exercise will be heavy," Mehdi said, reported The Indian Express.
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti called the raids “vicious” and an attack on fundamental freedoms.
“Under the garb of security, all sorts of Kafkaesque oppressive measures are being unleashed on Kashmiris. Now, even the freedom to read and consume information is being violated. Are we merely sheep or cattle that need to be herded?" she said.
Mufti also pointed out that the books seized were written by Abul A'la Maududi, a renowned Islamic scholar and the founder of Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI).
She defended the organization, saying it had done commendable social work in Kashmir and participated in the recently held Assembly elections.
The police, however, did not specify the author or the group in question, but said that the books were affiliated with the 'Jamaat ideology,' The Indian Express reported.
“Based on credible intelligence regarding the clandestine sale and distribution of literature promoting the ideology of a banned organisation, police conducted a search in Srinagar, leading to the seizure of 668 books,” the Srinagar police said in a statement.
Legal proceedings have been initiated under Section 126 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, which deals with actions against individuals suspected of disturbing public peace.
Political Parties Condemn Action
The move has sparked criticism from various political parties in Jammu and Kashmir. National Conference (NC) MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi questioned the police action, pointing out that it came shortly after authorities barred Shab-e-Barat prayers and sealed Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid.
"If that wasn’t enough, there are reports of police seizing literature by Maulana Maududi. Will the state now dictate what Kashmiris read, learn, and believe? This is an unacceptable overreach. If such an order exists, it must be revoked immediately. The state must stop harassing Kashmiris and meddling in their religious affairs, because the cost of this reckless exercise will be heavy," Mehdi said, reported The Indian Express.
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti called the raids “vicious” and an attack on fundamental freedoms.
“Under the garb of security, all sorts of Kafkaesque oppressive measures are being unleashed on Kashmiris. Now, even the freedom to read and consume information is being violated. Are we merely sheep or cattle that need to be herded?" she said.
Mufti also pointed out that the books seized were written by Abul A'la Maududi, a renowned Islamic scholar and the founder of Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI).
She defended the organization, saying it had done commendable social work in Kashmir and participated in the recently held Assembly elections.
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