Srinagar, Gulistan News Tv
In a decisive move to curb the circulation of banned literature linked to Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), law enforcement agencies in Srinagar conducted a meticulously planned operation to assess the availability of proscribed books in the city. The crackdown follows the ban imposed on Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) on February 28, 2019, due to its alleged links to militant activities and its role in instigating unrest in the region. As part of their enforcement measures, the police deployed undercover personnel as decoy customers across 10 bookshops in the Lal Chowk area of Srinagar to determine whether banned literature promoting JeI ideology was still being circulated despite legal restrictions. This preventive measure aimed to ensure that no material inciting extremist views or supporting a banned organization was available for public purchase.
During the operation, two bookshops were found stocking and distributing books written by Moulana Abul A’la Maududi, the founding ideologue of Jamaat-e-Islami.in Maisuma, Srinagar,it was found in possession of a large stock of 642 banned books authored by Maududi.M.A. Road, Srinagar, it was discovered to have 26 such books in its inventory.Upon discovering the banned material, the police seized a total of 668 books from both bookshops to prevent further circulation. Additionally, the shop owners were issued strict directives to cancel all existing and future orders for books that promote Jamaat-e-Islami’s ideology.
Following the seizure, legal action was immediately initiated against the violators, and authorities are now conducting a wider investigation to determine:
Whether other bookshops or distributors are involved in the sale of proscribed JeI literature.The supply chain of these books and how they reached the market despite the ban.Any potential involvement of individuals or groups in the deliberate circulation of JeI ideology in defiance of legal restrictions.Officials have warned that strict legal measures will be taken against anyone found distributing or possessing banned literature.
The Government of India banned Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu & Kashmir for five years under the UAPA on February 28, 2019, citing its involvement in activities prejudicial to the integrity and security of the country. The government stated that JeI was responsible for radicalizing youth, funding terror-related activities, and supporting separatist movements in Jammu and Kashmir.Following the ban, the organization’s assets were seized, and its affiliated institutions, including schools and charities, were put under scrutiny. The government had also warned that any attempt to revive JeI or circulate its literature would be dealt with strictly under the law.
Law enforcement agencies have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any instances of banned literature being circulated in bookshops, educational institutions, or other outlets. They reiterated their commitment to preventing the dissemination of material that could incite extremism or disrupt peace in the region.Further developments are expected as authorities continue their investigation into the supply and distribution network of these banned books.
