SRINAGAR: Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) has arrested three publishers in connection with an investigation into the alleged glorification of separatist leaders through controversial books found in government school libraries across Jammu and Kashmir. Officials stated on Sunday that the arrests followed coordinated raids conducted in Jammu and Delhi as part of a broader operation against the publication and distribution of these books.
The Chenab Times has learned that the publishers apprehended are Inderpaul of Jammu-based Oberoi Book Service, and Amardeep Singh and Girish Arora, both associated with Noida-based Dominant Publishers. Authorities indicated that the investigation is focusing on the publishers’ roles in printing and circulating the books, with the possibility of further arrests as the probe intensifies.
The action stems from a First Information Report (FIR) registered by the Counter Intelligence unit on July 4. The FIR invokes multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges of criminal conspiracy, promoting enmity between different groups, endangering the sovereignty and integrity of India, and circulating objectionable material. Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) has also been applied.
The books under scrutiny are titled “Personalities and Legends of J&K,” authored by Hilal Ahmad and Santosh Meena and published by Oberoi Book Service, and “Great Personalities of Jammu and Kashmir,” authored by Sushant Giri and published by Dominant Publishers. Both publishing houses had previously been blacklisted by the government.
According to official statements, 123 copies of one of the titles were supplied to government institutions in Jammu, Ramban, and Udhampur districts. Additionally, 128 copies of the other book were distributed to schools in Jammu and Baramulla districts. Counter Intelligence teams had conducted searches at the premises of both publishing houses on July 6 as part of the ongoing investigation.
The controversy has led to significant administrative action within the School Education Department. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announced on Saturday the suspension of eight officials, the termination of a contractual employee, and ordered a high-level inquiry into the procurement and circulation of these books in government schools. The School Education Department had initiated the withdrawal of both books from circulation on July 3, following objections raised by political parties, including the BJP and Congress, which alleged that the publications glorified separatism.
Officials confirmed that the investigation remains active, with expectations of more arrests and further actions in the coming days. The authorities are committed to scrutinizing the content and dissemination of materials that could potentially compromise national integrity or promote divisive narratives.
The Chenab Times News Desk