All Books On Manipur Will Now Require Government Approval Before Publication

Government sources revealed that the order had been triggered by a controversy regarding a new thesis published in the form of a book.

In a bizarre order, the Manipur government has made it compulsory that all books on the state's history, culture, tradition, and geography be pre-approved by a state-appointment committee before publication, sparking criticism by intellectuals and civil society accusing the state government of trying to regulate 'academic freedom'.  

The order dated September 15, a copy of which is available with NDTV, stated that it was brought to the notice of the state government that "some books published on the history, culture, tradition, and geography of the state contain material which may either distort facts or disturb the peaceful coexistence amongst various communities." 

This has prompted the government to set up the committee, headed by state education minister Thounaojam Basanta Kumar Singh and comprising university vice-chancellors, college and university teachers, with the Director of the university and higher education department as its member-secretary. 

"Any person/groups desirous of publication of books on the history, culture, tradition and geography of the state may submit an application to the director, university and higher education, Manipur, along with a copy of the manuscript of the book who shall place the matter before the committee for approval. The committee shall convene its meeting as and when required, Any book published without following this procedure is liable to be punished under the relevant law," the government order stated, although it did not specify the legal provisions that a person will have to deal with if the government order is violated.