J&K school book glorifies terrorists, separatist leaders, sparks massive outrage

A book allegedly approved for government school libraries in Jammu and Kashmir has triggered outrage over its content, with claims it praises terrorists and separatists, setting off demands for a ban and a high-level investigation.

In Short

• The publication allegedly carries the Samagra Shiksha logo in Jammu and Kashmir
• It reportedly describes Maqbool Bhat as a shaheed, drawing strong objections
• Separatist figures Geelani, Masarat Alam and Mirwaiz are portrayed favourably, critics allege

A book allegedly approved for government school libraries in Jammu and Kashmir has sparked outrage after claims that 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 allegations have snowballed into a political controversy, with demands for a ban on the publication and a high-level probe into how it found its way into the school system.

The book, titled 'Personalities and Legends of J&K', has come under intense scrutiny over its alleged content and its reported association with government schools.

According to the allegations, the book describes JKLF terrorist Maqbool Bhat as a "Shaheed". It also allegedly presents separatist leaders Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Masarat Alam and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq in a favourable light.

The publication has also drawn criticism for allegedly referring to Jammu and Kashmir as "Indian Held Kashmir" and "Indian Occupied Kashmir".

The book is also reported to carry the logo of Samagra Shiksha, J&K, raising questions over whether it was approved for use in government school libraries.

The BJP attacked the Omar Abdullah government over the controversy, calling it an instance of "academic jihad".

The party has demanded a high-level probe into the alleged approval of the book, sought an immediate ban on the publication and called for the dismissal of Education Minister Sakina Itoo.

The Jammu and Kashmir People's Forum has also raised concerns over the book's alleged contents and demanded that it be banned.

The controversy has intensified questions over the scrutiny of educational material meant for government schools, with opposition parties seeking accountability over the publication's alleged approval and circulation.

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