Jammu and Kashmir School Book Row: A big controversy has arisen over a controversial book reaching the libraries of government schools in Jammu and Kashmir. There is an allegation of glorifying terrorists in this.
J&K Book Row: A big political storm has arisen over a book that reached the libraries of government schools of Jammu and Kashmir. It is alleged that this book has praised terrorists and separatist leaders, and has also used such words for Jammu and Kashmir, which have become the root of controversy. The matter escalated so much that the government had to quickly withdraw the book and now orders have been given to investigate the entire matter.
After all, which book is the cause of controversy?
The name of the book about which this whole uproar has arisen is ‘Personalities and Legends of J&K’. This book was reportedly approved for the libraries of government schools of Jammu and Kashmir and hence both its content and approval process are now under question.
What is written in the book?
It is alleged that in this book, JKLF terrorist Maqbool Bhatt has been described as a ‘martyr’. Apart from this, it has been claimed that separatist leaders Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Masarat Alam and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq have also been presented in a positive light. BJP has alleged that the book has also praised 2008 Mumbai attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed. Besides, the book has also been accused of using words like ‘Indian Held Kashmir’ and ‘Indian Occupied Kashmir’ for Jammu and Kashmir. What makes the matter more serious is that the logo of Samagra Shiksha, Jammu and Kashmir is allegedly printed on this book, which has raised the question as to how it was approved at the government level to be distributed in schools.
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BJP attacked the government
Leader of Opposition in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Sunil Sharma termed this matter as very serious and made a direct attack on the government. He said that these books had reached the libraries of many schools of Jammu and Kashmir, which is a serious crime. Sharma said that ‘the book which praises Mumbai attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed and calls Kashmir ‘Indian-occupied Kashmir’ is objectionable and controversial, and it should be banned immediately.’ He demanded that the author, the publisher, the expert committee and even the Education Minister be held accountable in this entire matter, and said that the head of the government should immediately remove the Education Minister from the post. Not only this, Sharma termed it a big conspiracy, claimed that there was a special agenda behind it, and expressed suspicion of the National Conference government’s role in it from beginning to end.
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What action did the government take after the uproar?
After huge protests and political pressure, the administration has finally withdrawn the controversial book. A high-level inquiry has also been ordered into how this book reached the libraries of government schools after getting approval.