University of Jammu orders review of library books after controversial J&K publication is found.

As the Department of Political Science procured the controversial book “Personalities and Legends of J&K” without the expert committee’s approval, the University of Jammu on Tuesday directed all its departments to carefully curate and review scholarly publications included in their libraries and curricula.

After the Jammu and Kashmir government banned the controversial book and initiated action against officials involved in its procurement for government schools, the same publication was found in the library of the Department of Political Science at the University of Jammu, triggering fresh controversy.

The University of Jammu has ordered all departments to review their books and publications and submit compliance reports within seven days.

“It is circulated for the information of all concerned that the collections and books in the University of Jammu be carefully curated to include scholarly publications representing diverse disciplines to facilitate higher education, teaching and research, with the sole objective that no book, publication or reading material intended to promote, encourage or support any activity prejudicial to the sovereignty, integrity, security and national interest of India be kept in any library or departmental collection of the University,” the order issued by the Registrar of the University of Jammu reads.

“Accordingly, all Rectors, Directors, Heads of the Teaching Departments and the In-charge Librarian, Dhanvantri Library, are requested to undertake an immediate and comprehensive review of their respective library collections and submit a formal undertaking to the office of the undersigned, duly signed by them, certifying that no such book, publication or reading material detrimental to the national interest of India is available in their respective libraries or departmental collections,” the order states.

It further adds, “The above exercise shall be undertaken on top priority and completed within seven days from the date of issuance of this circular.”

Book glorifying terrorists procured by Political Science Department

The book, which allegedly glorifies convicted terrorists and separatist leaders, was not only procured by the School Education Department but was also purchased by the Department of Political Science, University of Jammu, in 2021.

The Department of Political Science has courted controversy in the past as well, including over the introduction of academic topics related to Pakistan’s founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and philosopher-poet Muhammad Iqbal.

After the Jammu and Kashmir government banned the book, the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples’ Forum claimed that the publication was available in the library of the university’s Department of Political Science.

Ramesh C. Sabharwal, President of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples’ Forum, said the government’s decision to ban the book followed allegations that it glorified individuals associated with terrorism, separatism and anti-India activities.

“The recent controversy surrounding the book Personalities and Legends of J&K has raised serious concerns across Jammu and Kashmir. The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has banned the book after allegations that it glorifies individuals associated with terrorism, separatism and anti-India activities. The government has also suspended eight officials in connection with the recommendation of the book,” Sabharwal said.

He claimed that despite the ban, the same book is available in the library of the Department of Political Science, University of Jammu, under Accession Number DL477237.

“Against this backdrop, it is deeply disturbing that the same book is available in the library of the Department of Political Science, University of Jammu. The presence of such a controversial book, coupled with the government’s action, demands an immediate explanation from the university administration,” he said.

Sabharwal further alleged that the Department of Political Science has, on several occasions, faced criticism from various sections of society over the ideological orientation of certain academic discussions and course material.

Describing the University of Jammu as a premier public institution funded by taxpayers, he said it is entrusted with promoting constitutional values, national integration and academic excellence.

The Forum demanded an immediate inquiry into how the now-banned book came to be included in the Department of Political Science library. It also sought the suspension of the head of the department pending an inquiry.

Questioning why the book continues to remain in the department’s library despite the government ban, Sabharwal also demanded that the faculty member who recommended the book be identified and suspended until his or her credentials are examined by the CID and intelligence agencies.