Chaudhry Naeem Akhtar, Strongly Condemned The Ban Imposed By The Occupying Indian Forces On 25 Prominent Authors’ Books In Occupied J&K

Paris,( PR) : Chairman Jammu and Kashmir Forum France, Chaudhry Naeem Akhtar, strongly condemned the ban imposed by the occupying Indian forces on 25 prominent authors’ books in occupied Jammu and Kashmir.He stated that censorship and restrictions on democratic freedoms continue in the region. He expressed these views during a media talk the other day.Terming the ban on books as irrational, unfortunate, and contrary to democratic values, he said: We fail to understand what it is in these books that threatens the occupying Indian forces.He questioned, If the situation is truly normal, then why resort to censorship?He further added that history bears witness that bans on books often lead to their increased popularity. Ideas that are suppressed tend to become more deeply ingrained in public consciousness,he noted.
He also stated that this decision to ban books is a tyrannical attack on democratic rights and intellectual freedom. Particularly, the fact that this ban was imposed on the day marking six years since the abrogation of Article 370, makes it yet another symbol of injustice towards the Kashmiri people.He remarked that banning books is a failed attempt to erase history. Democracy thrives on the free exchange of ideas. Banning books cannot erase history—it only fuels further division and alienation,he said.He concluded by saying: Censorship does not silence ideas; it amplifies their echo.