Kashmir Students Roundup

Kashmir faces renewed controversy over academic freedom, while the UN urges a probe into deadly unrest.

Crackdown on 'objectionable' books in Indian-administered Kashmir sparks row

Authorities in Indian-administered Kashmir have issued a sweeping order to all educational institutions to review books for "inappropriate and objectionable" content, in a move that has sparked a debate over who gets to shape the region's history in classrooms.

The order, issued last week, directs schools, colleges, universities and coaching centres to screen all published material on their premises - including research papers and academic theses - for content that could violate "religious sentiments, laws, educational values and established norms". They must also report books deemed objectionable to the authorities.

Authorities insist the directive is not about restricting reading but removing material they say is factually inaccurate or unlawful, including content that "promotes, glorifies, legitimises or justifies terrorism, violent extremism, secessionism, radicalisation" or any activity prejudicial to the security of the nation.

But opposition parties, academics and students say the move is an attack on academic freedom and an attempt to erase Kashmir's turbulent history.

Kashmir, which neighbours India and Pakistan claim in full but only control in parts, has witnessed decades of conflict.

- Authors: Cherylann Mollan and Auqib Javeed, BBC

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UN urges probe into deaths in Pakistani-administered Kashmir unrest

The United Nations human rights chief has called for an independent investigation into deadly unrest in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

On Friday, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, urged Islamabad to launch “prompt, thorough and impartial investigations” into all civilian and security force deaths. At least 31 people have been killed in clashes since last month, in the run-up to regional elections at the end of this month.

The unrest has involved the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), an umbrella group of traders and activists.

While the movement initially formed to protest against rising food prices and utility tariffs, the current flashpoint centres on a legal dispute over legislative seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees. The JAAC demands the abolition of those seats, arguing they allow non-residents to alter local political outcomes.

UN officials expressed alarm over Pakistan’s decision to classify the JAAC as a proscribed “terrorist” organisation under domestic anti-terrorism laws.

The global body warned that utilising anti-terror mechanisms to criminalise peaceful assembly and enforce widespread internet blackouts raises severe freedom of association concerns.

- AP and Reuters

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