SRINAGAR: The Jehad Force, a militant group, has “banned” the publication and sale of Khushwant Singh’s translation of Aliah e Chinar on autobiography of late Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah.
The work has been translated into English by Khushwant Singh for Viking/Penguin India. The “ban” order has called for an explanation from the local publishers to explain as to why they gave permission for translating what the outfit has described as “a controversial book.”
A Press release from the Jehad Force has also called for an explanation from Singh since it is claimed that the translation is meant to be circulated in the international for a to malign the ongoing movement.
The statement has appealed to all the booksellers of the State not to display/sell the book. It has also appealed to various libraries, including those of schools and colleges, not to have the book on their shelves.
The Urdu edition of this autobiography is, however, still on the stands here, the book has been criticized by many of the colleagues of the late Sheikh, It has been alleged that the Sheikh has been “unjust” too many of his “friends” and “lieutenants” as well.
This is the first reaction by a militant group as regards the sale and publication of any political book. Even though most of the ¢ been critical
Armed groups have! Sfroven Turbuof Jagmohan’s my. Lance in Kashmir, the book has
Not been banned by any militant outfit. Since the outbreak of armed insurgency in the Valley, there has been a boom of books written on the strife and its cause.
Article extracted from this publication >> October 15, 1993
