Srinagar, Aug 7 (KNS):The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has strongly opposed the recent decision by the Jammu and Kashmir administration to ban 25 books, calling it a direct attack on freedom of expression and a sign of growing authoritarianism.
In a statement issued to KNS, the CPI(M) Polit Bureau said the ban is another example of censorship being used to suppress dissent and critical thought.
The party accused the Lieutenant Governor, acting on behalf of the BJP-led Union Government, of curbing fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution. The banned books include works by well-known authors such as A.G. Noorani, Anuradha Bhasin, and Arundhati Roy.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThe administration cited "aiding secessionism and terrorism" as the reason for the ban.
“These books explore the history of Kashmir and the roots of its present-day issues. Silencing such voices does not solve problems it deepens the trust deficit,” the party said.
The CPI(M) has demanded that the ban be revoked immediately. It also reiterated its long-standing demand for restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and return of full democratic rights to its people.
“The region must have an elected government with full administrative powers. Only then can public trust be restored,” the party added.(KNS)