A book reportedly cleared for government school libraries in Jammu and Kashmir has triggered a major controversy. Critics claim it glorifies terrorists and separatist leaders, refers to the region as "Indian Held Kashmir" and "Indian Occupied Kashmir", and carries the logo of Samagra Shiksha, J&K. The issue has sparked political outrage, with the BJP seeking action against those responsible and questioning how the book reached government schools.
The publication, titled Personalities and Legends of J&K, has come under the spotlight over its alleged content and its reported circulation in government school libraries.
As per the allegations, the book describes JKLF militant Maqbool Bhat as a "Shaheed". It is also alleged to portray separatist leaders Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Masarat Alam and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq in a positive manner.
The BJP has further alleged that the book contains references praising Hafiz Saeed, accused of masterminding the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
Another point of contention is the book's reported use of the terms "Indian Held Kashmir" and "Indian Occupied Kashmir" while referring to Jammu and Kashmir. The publication is also said to feature the Samagra Shiksha, J&K logo, prompting questions over how it was approved for distribution in government school libraries.
Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Sunil Sharma, claimed that copies of the book had been supplied to libraries in several government schools across the Union Territory.
Calling the matter serious, Sharma said a book that allegedly praises Hafiz Saeed and refers to Jammu and Kashmir as "Indian-occupied Kashmir" should not have found a place in school libraries. He demanded that it be banned immediately.
He also called for action against everyone involved in the book's publication and approval process, including the author, publisher, members of the expert committee and the Education Minister. He said the government should fix responsibility and take appropriate action.
Sharma further alleged that the publication was part of a larger conspiracy. "There is absolutely no doubt that there is a specific agenda behind this; it is a massive conspiracy. We have no doubt that the National Conference government is involved in this from top to bottom," he claimed.
Following the controversy, the authorities withdrew the book from government school libraries and ordered a high-level inquiry into the matter.
The probe will examine how the book was published, approved and distributed, and identify those responsible. The demand for strict action against those found accountable has continued to grow.
Also read: MHA designates 23 Pak-based terrorists, 11 from J&K
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