Maharashtra govt bans literature linked to proscribed terror outfits glorifying violent extremism

The Maharashtra government has banned the publication circulation possession and distribution of literature linked to several proscribed terrorist organisations stating that the material glorifies violent extremism promotes radicalisation and poses a threat to the countrys sovereignty public order and internal securityIn a gazette notification issued by the Home Department on August 6 the state government also ordered the forfeiture of 114 publications including books magazines and other propaganda material allegedly associated with banned terrorist organisationsGovernment cites security and radicalisation concernsAccording to the notification intelligence inputs cyber surveillance reports and investigations carried out by the Maharashtra AntiTerrorism Squad ATS indicated the continued circulation and transmission of extremist literature linked to organisations involved in or supporting terrorist and unlawful activitiesThe government stated that the material glorifies violent extremism and jihad promotes radicalisation provides ideological indoctrination facilitates recruitment and incites or encourages acts prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India thereby posing a serious threat to public order communal harmony and internal securityThe notification said the ban applies to the publication circulation distribution sale exhibition possession and storage of such material in both physical and digital formatsAction based on ATS investigationsThe Home Department said that in March 2025 senior police and ATS officials had informed the government that several books newspapers documents and other material including paintings drawings and photographs required forfeiture because of their alleged association with activities considered prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India the security of the state and public orderBased on those findings the state government concluded that the material was linked to banned terrorist organisations and therefore warranted action under the lawLiterature linked to banned organisations forfeitedThe notification states that the banned publications are associated with organisations listed in the First Schedule of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act 1967 including their affiliated websites social media platforms encrypted communication channels and digital networksAmong the organisations named are the Islamic State ISISIS Islamic State in Khorasan Province ISKP HizbulMujahideen Pir Panjal Regiment and Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent AQISThe government said the circulation of literature linked to these organisations is prejudicial to Indias sovereignty integrity and internal security114 publications included in the banThe forfeiture order covers 114 items of alleged extremist literatureAccording to the notification these include 44 editions of the Voice of Khurasan magazine along with publications such as Are You Still Sitting Why Should You Join the Islamic State and NidaeKhurasan ndash 1 Urdu which the government has linked to various manifestations of the Islamic State including ISKPThe notification also includes issues of The Revolutionary Resurgence allegedly associated with HizbulMujahideen Pir Panjal Regiment and publications such as Nawai GazawaeHind School of Yusuf and Modern Warfare which the government has linked to Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent AQISBan covers physical and digital formatsThe Home Department said the prohibition extends beyond printed publications to include digital copies online circulation and storage of the listed materialOfficials said the move is intended to curb the dissemination of extremist propaganda prevent radicalisation and strengthen measures aimed at safeguarding public order and national securityWith inputs from PTI