A major political controversy has erupted in Jammu and Kashmir after a book stocked in government school libraries allegedly contained references glorifying separatists and terrorists. Reacting strongly to the issue, BJP national general secretary and MP Tarun Chugh described the incident as “academic jihad” and demanded strict action against those responsible.
The controversy centres around a book titled Personalities and Legends of J&K, which reportedly referred to banned Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front founder Maqbool Bhat as a “Shaheed” (martyr) and used terms such as “India-occupied Kashmir” and “Indian-held Kashmir.” The content triggered outrage among political leaders and sections of the public, who termed it anti-national and inappropriate for school students.
Addressing the media, Chugh alleged that attempts were being made to poison the minds of young students through educational material that promotes separatist narratives. He termed the incident an “academic jihad against India” and said such content could not be allowed in educational institutions. He also demanded accountability from the Jammu and Kashmir administration and called for immediate removal of the controversial books from school libraries.
Following the uproar, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha ordered strict action against officials involved in the procurement of the books. Eight officials of the School Education Department were suspended, while a contractual employee was removed from service. A departmental inquiry has also been initiated to investigate how the books were selected and approved for government school libraries.
The BJP has further demanded the resignation of Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Sakina Itoo, alleging that the inclusion of such material reflects a serious lapse in oversight. Party leaders argued that educational institutions should promote national unity and constitutional values rather than controversial narratives.
The incident has once again brought the issue of educational content and ideological narratives in Jammu and Kashmir into the national spotlight. As investigations continue, the controversy is expected to intensify political debates over the vetting of educational material and the responsibility of authorities in safeguarding the content being taught to students.
