3 publishers arrested in J-K for books that 'glorified separatists, militants'

📌 Summary:

• Counter-intelligence unit of J&K Police arrested three persons — from Oberoi Book Service (Jammu) and Noida-based Dominant Publishers — over publication and circulation of two books ('Personalities and Legends of J&K' and 'Great Personalities of Jammu and Kashmir') that allegedly glorify separatists and militants

• The books were earlier withdrawn from school libraries; 8 School Education Department officials were suspended and 1 contractual employee terminated; 251 copies distributed in Jammu, Ramban, Udhampur and Baramulla have been withdrawn; a high-level inquiry was ordered

• Case registered under BNS sections 49 (abetment), 61(2) (criminal conspiracy), 152 (endangering sovereignty, unity and integrity of India), 196 (promoting enmity) and 353 (circulating false statements), plus Section 13 of the UAPA

• One book purportedly calls JKLF co-founder Maqbool Bhat (hanged in Tihar Jail) a "martyr" and praises separatist leader Shabir Shah as a campaigner for "self-determination"; searches at both publishing houses were conducted on July 6

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS3 Internal Security — radicalisation through educational content, state response in J&K, balance between security laws (UAPA/BNS 152) and free expression

📝 Prelims Facts:

• Section 13 UAPA punishes advocacy/abetment of unlawful activities
• BNS Section 152 (successor to sedition-type provision) covers acts endangering sovereignty, unity and integrity of India
• JKLF = Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front, co-founded by Maqbool Bhat

🔑 Key Term: UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act) — India's principal anti-terror law allowing designation of unlawful associations and punishment for supporting or advocating unlawful/terrorist activity.