Maharashtra govt bans literature of proscribed outfits glorifying violent extremism

Maharashtra's government has enacted a ban on literature produced by designated terrorist organizations, including the Islamic State, Islamic State in Khorasan Province, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen Pir Panjal Regiment, and Al Qaeda. The prohibition specifically targets materials that glorify violent extremism and jihad, and promote radicalization.

In a notification issued by the Home Department on August 6, the state government ordered the forfeiture of 114 items of radical literature. These include magazines and books identified as containing content that glorifies violent extremism, provides ideological indoctrination, facilitates recruitment, and incites acts prejudicial to India's sovereignty and integrity.

Intelligence inputs and investigations by the state's Anti-Terrorism Squad revealed the continued circulation and possession of such extremist materials. The government views this content as a serious threat to public order, communal harmony, and internal security.

The banned items include multiple issues of "Voice of Khurasan" magazine and other publications linked to the Islamic State and its various manifestations. Additionally, literature associated with Hizb-ul-Mujahideen Pir Panjal Regiment and Al Qaeda, including "The Revolutionary Resurgence" and "Nawai Gazawa e Hind," have also been prohibited. The ban covers the publication, circulation, distribution, sale, exhibition, possession, and storage of these materials in both physical and digital formats.

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Such material is found to have a content which 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 security.