IISER Pune removes Umar Khalid’s book from library ‘to avoid unrest’

Pune: Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune has withdrawn ‘Fractured Communities’, a book based on the PhD thesis of jailed activist and former JNU researcher Umar Khalid, after its inclusion in the Srinivasa Ramanujan Library triggered a social media controversy over the weekend.The institute said the book was retracted “as a precaution in order to avoid any misunderstanding or unrest” after the matter was brought to the authorities’ attention. “The book collection at the institute library is built through recommendations from institute members, and a dedicated committee oversees the functioning of the library. On average, over 50 books from various areas are routinely added every month to the library,” the institute said in a statement.“Regarding the book in question, as soon as the matter was brought to the attention of institute authorities, it has been decided to retract the book as a precaution in order to avoid any misunderstanding or unrest. The institute will examine what further action or steps can be taken,” the statement read.The controversy began after a photograph of the book displayed on the library’s digital board under the title ‘New Additions of Books’ was shared on ‘X’ by the handle @GemsofAcademia on Saturday night. The post was widely shared, with Madabhushi Madan Gopal, chairperson of the institute’s board of governors, responding through his personal ‘X’ account.“As in-charge chairperson, BoG, IISER Pune, I am shocked to know this. This is retracted last night and action is initiated on those who played this mischief. I assure such things will not happen again in IISER Pune. Prof. Sunil Bhagwat, Director, has taken immediate steps. We need to be alert,” he wrote.In a subsequent post, Gopal said the institute had identified the person responsible for this and that prompt action had been initiated. “There should be suitable remedial measures,” he posted.Asked about the action referred to in Gopal’s posts, an IISER Pune official said the chairperson had tweeted in his personal capacity through his personal account.The controversy divided opinion online, with a section criticising a central science institute for recommending the book, while another defended it as a researched work on Adivasis.‘Fractured Communities: Adivasi Histories and the Politics of Power’, released earlier this year, examines the history of Singhbhum’s tribal societies and is based on Khalid’s PhD thesis at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Khalid has been lodged in Delhi’s Tihar Jail since 2020 as an undertrial prisoner in connection with a case registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and other provisions of law. He was recently named the Asia-Pacific recipient of the Front Line Defenders Award for Human Rights Defenders at Risk.