Jammu, July 4 (JKNS): Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly and senior BJP leader Sunil Sharma on Saturday accused the National Conference government of promoting what he termed as “academic jihad” by allowing a controversial book in government school libraries, demanding an immediate ban on the publication, a judicial probe into the matter, and the dismissal of the Education Minister.
Addressing a press conference in Jammu, LoP Sharma, as per the news agency JKNS, alleged that the book titled “Personalities and Legions of J&K” contains no educational or historical value but instead glorifies terrorists, separatists, stone-pelters and anti-national elements while portraying security forces and those who fought terrorism in a negative light.
He claimed the publication reflects a separatist and jihadi mindset and accused the Education Department of officially approving and distributing the book in government school libraries after it was vetted by an expert committee.
“This is not history or education. This is academic subversion. It is academic jihad against India,” Sharma said, alleging that the book attempts to revive separatist ideology among the youth.
The BJP leader alleged that the publication promotes the narrative of separatist leaders such as Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Masrat Alam, Shabir Shah and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, and described it as an attempt to spread hatred against India and its armed forces.
Sharma demanded that the book be banned immediately and that a high-level judicial inquiry be ordered to identify those responsible for approving and circulating it in schools.
He said the investigation should not be limited to officials alone but should also examine the role of the Education Department, the Education Minister and the government.
The LoP also urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to immediately remove the Education Minister, alleging that the distribution of such material amounted to a “serious crime against the nation.”
He further claimed that during the previous administration, nearly 25 similar books carrying anti-India content had been identified and banned, and said the present publication should face the same action.
Sharma also called for action against the authors, publishers, distributors and members of the committee that cleared the book for government libraries, saying all those involved should be investigated and prosecuted. (JKNS)