J&K Counter Intelligence Wing files FIR, raids publisher in book controversy
Synopsis
What started as a school library audit in Jammu and Kashmir has turned into a criminal case under the UAPA. Two approved books, cleared by institutional screening committees, allegedly glorified separatists — and now the Counter Intelligence Wing has filed an FIR, raided a publisher, and eight officials stand suspended. The procedural failure is as striking as the content controversy itself.
Key Takeaways
The J&K Counter Intelligence Wing registered an FIR on 5 July over two school library books allegedly glorifying separatists.
Charges include Section 152 BNS (endangering national integrity) and Section 13 UAPA — among the most serious available.
123 copies of one book reached Jammu, Ramban, and Udhampur ; 128 copies of the other went to Jammu and Baramulla .
Eight School Education Department officials were suspended by Lt Governor Manoj Sinha ; one contractual employee was also removed.
Both books had been approved by Samagra Shiksha screening committees before distribution — a procedural failure now under inquiry.
No arrests have been made as of Sunday; physical and digital evidence has been seized from a Bahu Plaza publisher in Jammu.
The Counter Intelligence Wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Police registered its first FIR on Saturday, 5 July and launched raids in Jammu in connection with two school library books allegedly glorifying separatists — a controversy that has already led to the suspension of eight School Education Department officials. The case marks a significant escalation in what began as an administrative review of approved educational material.
The Books at the Centre of the Controversy
The two publications under scrutiny are 'Personalities and Legends of J and K', authored by Hilal Ahmad and Santosh Meena and published by Jammu-based Oberoi Book Service, and 'Great Personalities of Jammu and Kashmir', authored by Sushant Giri and published by Delhi-based Anurag Prakashan. According to officials, 123 copies of one title were distributed to Jammu, Ramban, and Udhampur districts, while 128 copies of the other reached Jammu and Baramulla districts.
Charges Filed and Raids Conducted
The FIR was registered at the Police Station Counter Intelligence, Jammu, under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) — including Section 49 (abetment), Section 61(2) (criminal conspiracy), Section 152 (endangering the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India), Section 196 (promoting enmity and disharmony), and Section 353 (publishing or circulating false statements and rumours). Additionally, Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) has been invoked.
Following the registration of the case, Counter Intelligence personnel conducted searches at the premises of one of the publishers located in Bahu Plaza, Jammu. Investigators seized both physical documents and digital evidence during the operation. Officials confirmed that no arrests have been made so far.
Administrative Action Already Taken
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha had earlier suspended eight officials of the School Education Department and removed one contractual staff member, ordering a formal inquiry into the books, which he described as containing 'highly inappropriate content.' The School Education Department subsequently withdrew both titles on Friday.
Notably, both books had cleared institutional screening committees and were formally approved for distribution to school libraries across the Union Territory. The Samagra Shiksha officials had signed off on the publications before they were dispatched to districts — a procedural lapse now at the heart of the inquiry.
Political Pressure and Broader Context
The controversy gained momentum after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Indian National Congress (INC), and several other political groups raised objections, alleging that the books 'glorified' separatism. This is not the first time educational material in Jammu and Kashmir has drawn scrutiny over content deemed sensitive, but the invocation of UAPA provisions signals that authorities are treating this case with unusual severity. The simultaneous suspension of multiple officials and the launch of criminal proceedings suggest a coordinated institutional response to what critics have framed as a systemic failure in content vetting.
The investigation is ongoing, and further developments — including possible arrests — are expected as the Counter Intelligence Wing continues to gather evidence.
Point of View
At its origin, a content-vetting failure inside a state education department is a significant escalation. The more troubling question is institutional: both books cleared formal screening committees before reaching school libraries, which means the problem is not just the authors or publishers — it is the approval mechanism itself. Suspending eight officials addresses accountability after the fact; it does not explain how 'highly inappropriate content,' as the Lt Governor described it, passed multiple institutional checkpoints. Until the vetting process is audited and reformed, the same failure can recur. The political unanimity — BJP and Congress both objecting — also suggests this controversy has cross-party electoral utility in J&K, which may be shaping the speed and severity of the official response.
NationPress
5 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the J&K school book controversy about?
Two books approved for school libraries in Jammu and Kashmir — 'Personalities and Legends of J and K' and 'Great Personalities of Jammu and Kashmir' — were found to allegedly contain content glorifying separatists. The controversy prompted the suspension of eight officials and the filing of an FIR by the Counter Intelligence Wing.
What charges have been filed in the J&K book FIR?
The FIR was filed under Sections 49, 61(2), 152, 196, and 353 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), as well as Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The UAPA provision relates to supporting unlawful activities and is among the most serious charges invoked.
Who authored the controversial books and who published them?
'Personalities and Legends of J and K' was authored by Hilal Ahmad and Santosh Meena and published by Jammu-based Oberoi Book Service. 'Great Personalities of Jammu and Kashmir' was authored by Sushant Giri and published by Delhi-based Anurag Prakashan.
How did the books reach school libraries if they had inappropriate content?
Both books were approved by Samagra Shiksha screening committees and formally cleared for distribution to school libraries across the Union Territory. This procedural lapse — that the content passed institutional vetting — is now a central focus of the ongoing inquiry.
Have any arrests been made in the J&K book controversy case?
No arrests have been made as of Sunday, 6 July. The Counter Intelligence Wing has seized physical documents and digital evidence during raids at a publisher's premises in Bahu Plaza, Jammu, and the investigation is continuing.
