Controversial books reached the libraries of government schools of Jammu and Kashmir, case registered under UAPA; Government recalled all copies

Srinagar, 6 July. A big controversy has arisen over two books purchased for the libraries of government schools of Jammu and Kashmir. It is alleged that these books have glorified individuals associated with banned terrorist organizations and separatist leaders. After the matter came to light, the police registered an FIR under relevant sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Indian Justice Code (BNS) and started investigation. The controversy came to light when Jammu and Kashmir People’s Forum (JKPF) shared a video on social media raising questions over the content of these books. After this the education department and administration came into action.

Which books are in dispute?

There are two books at the center of the controversy—

‘Personalities and Legends of J&K’, Author: Hilal Ahmed and Santosh Meena (Publisher: Oberoi Book Service, Jammu)
‘Great Personalities of Jammu and Kashmir’, Author: Sushant Giri (Publisher: Anurag Prakashan, Delhi)

It is alleged that in these books, Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) co-founder Maqbool Bhat has been described as a ‘martyr’, while Hurriyat Conference leaders Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq have been presented as influential personalities and the “last hope” of the valley.

Books reached schools under ‘Samagra Shiksha’ scheme

According to officials, these books were selected for the libraries of government schools under the ‘Samagra Shiksha’ scheme. It was told that after reviewing the books of 364 publishers, four committees of experts had selected them. These books were purchased for the libraries of 1,832 government and 394 PM Shri schools of Jammu and Kashmir. Before the controversy surfaced, 123 copies of one book had been distributed in schools of Jammu, Ramban and Udhampur and 128 copies of the other book had been distributed in schools of Jammu and Baramulla.

Government took many strict steps

After the controversy escalated, the Education Department and the government took immediate action and gave instructions to recall all the distributed copies. Along with this, the authors and publishers of both the books have been blacklisted in Jammu and Kashmir. The process of review and withdrawal of his other published material has also been initiated. A high level committee of two senior officers has been constituted to investigate the entire matter, which has been directed to submit its report within 30 days. At the same time, after the police registered the case under Section 13 of UAPA and relevant sections of BNS, the counter intelligence team raided the office of the concerned publisher in Jammu and seized documents and digital evidence.

Former DGP expressed concern

Former Director General of Police of Jammu and Kashmir S.P. Vaid said glorifying separatist leaders could have a negative impact on the new generation. According to him, such content poses a risk of giving wrong message among the youth and should be seriously investigated.

BJP surrounded the government

Bharatiya Janata Party has targeted Omar Abdullah government regarding this issue. Calling it a serious matter related to the education system of the state, BJP leaders have demanded strict action against the culprits. The party has also raised the demand for an inquiry into the selection process and action against the responsible officials. At present, the police, education department and the formed investigation committee are investigating the entire matter at different levels. Further action will be decided after the investigation report comes.