Three publishers arrested over books with ‘inappropriate content’ in J&K

The counter-intelligence unit in Jammu has arrested three publishers in connection with the ongoing investigation into controversies over some books in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Sunday (July 12, 2026).

This decision came after coordinated operations in Jammu and Delhi.

The arrests are part of a wider investigation into the printing and distribution of books deemed to contain “highly inappropriate content”. Investigators are examining the publishers’ role in printing and distributing this material, officials said.

On July 4, the counter-intelligence unit registered an FIR under Sections 49 (investment), 61(2) (criminal conspiracy), 152 (endangering the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India), 196 (promoting hostility, discord) and 353 (publishing or disseminating false statements, rumours, or reports) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. This action was taken after it was reported that two books in state libraries glorified separatist leaders.

The books in question, written by Hilal Ahmad and Santosh Meena and published by Jammu-based Oberoi Book Service, are titled ‘Personality and Legends of J-K’. The second book, ‘Great Personalities of Jammu and Kashmir’, was written by Sushant Giri and published by Delhi-based Anurag Prakashan.

The three arrested publishers include Inderpaul of Oberoi Book Service and Amardeep Singh and Girish Arora of Noida-based Dominant Publishers.

Earlier, both Oberoi Book Service and Baskin Publishers were blacklisted by the government. Counterintelligence teams raided their facilities on July 6.

Authorities stated that investigations are continuing and authorities expect further arrests in the coming days.

According to officials, 123 copies of one book were distributed in Jammu, Ramban and Udhampur districts, while 128 copies of the other book were sent in Jammu and Baramulla districts.

On Saturday, July 11, 2026, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha suspended eight officials of the School Education Department, dismissed a contract staff and ordered an investigation into two controversial books containing “highly inappropriate content”. The action followed objections from the BJP, Congress and other political groups, who claimed the books “glorified” separatism.

The two books were withdrawn on July 3, the Department of School Education said in an order.