Srinagar, Sep 23: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Wednesday said books banned under the law cannot be kept in government schools or colleges.

Speaking to reporters during a visit to Sheetal Nath Temple near Kral Khud in Srinagar, Dulloo said scrutiny of books is part of a routine process and that educational institutions must comply with government decisions regarding banned publications.

“Banned books, which the government has banned under provisions of law, should not be in government schools or colleges,” he said.

Dulloo also spoke about the historical significance of Sheetal Nath Temple, describing it as an important part of Srinagar’s heritage. He said preserving such sites for future generations is a collective responsibility.

According to Dulloo, the temple is traditionally associated with one of the eight Bhairavas believed to protect Srinagar. He said the site has historically served both religious and community purposes.

The Chief Secretary said the temple was damaged by fire in 1991 and was later restored by the Sanatan Dharma Sabha. The shrine reopened to devotees in 2021 after remaining closed for several decades.

His remarks came a day after the government informed the Legislative Assembly that 4,249 books had been withdrawn from government degree college libraries, while another 518 books had been classified as banned.