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

The order, issued last week, directs schools, colleges, universities and training centers to review all material posted on their premises – including research papers and academic theses – for content that may violate “religious sentiments, laws, educational values ​​and established norms.” They must also report books that the authorities consider objectionable.

Authorities insist that the directive is not about restricting reading, but rather about removing material that they say is inaccurate or illegal, including content that “promotes, glorifies, legitimizes or justifies terrorism, violent extremism, secessionism, radicalization” or any activity detrimental 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 neighbors India and Pakistan claim in its entirety but only in parts, has seen decades of conflict. From the late 1980s, the Indian-administered side also saw a separatist insurgency against the Delhi government, which India alleges was supported by Pakistan, a charge Islamabad denies.

Since Delhi revoked the region’s semi-autonomous status in 2019 and placed it under direct federal government, critics say civil liberties have been reduced and state control expanded, despite the restoration of an elected local government.