A controversy has erupted in Jammu and Kashmir over a school book provided to government libraries that critics say glorifies separatist leaders and people accused of terrorism. The Jammu and Kashmir School Education Department orders the immediate withdrawal of the book from all government school libraries following complaints and a political backlash.
According to reports, the book was reportedly supplied under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme and includes references that critics describe as praising anti-national figures as “great personalities” or “legends.” Among the names cited in allegations are Maqbool Bhat, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Shabir Shah, Masarat Alam, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Maulvi Farooq. Reports also allege the book mentions Hafiz Saeed and refers to Jammu and Kashmir as “Indian-occupied Kashmir.”
Opposition leaders and other critics describe the issue as a serious wrongdoing and have demanded accountability. NDTV also reports that a civil group is raising concerns about the content, alleging it celebrates such figures as role models. The Education Department’s order focuses on removing the book from government school libraries as the dispute continues.
