Controversy Erupts Over Educational Material in Jammu and Kashmir Schools

A significant controversy has emerged in Jammu and Kashmir regarding educational materials in schools. Allegations have surfaced that a book distributed in government schools presents separatist figures as revered personalities, raising serious concerns about the ideological content being taught to students. The Jammu and Kashmir People's Forum has called for immediate action, demanding the confiscation of the book and an investigation into how such materials were approved. This situation not only questions the integrity of the educational system but also poses a threat to the unity of the nation, as it could influence the perspectives of future generations. The lack of response from the administration adds to the urgency of the matter.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 4, 2026, 15:07 IST

Serious Concerns Raised About Educational Content

The educational system in Jammu and Kashmir is once again under scrutiny, but this time the controversy stems from allegations of promoting anti-national ideologies among students rather than administrative negligence. The Jammu and Kashmir People's Forum has made shocking claims that libraries in government and government-aided schools have received books that portray separatist leaders and figures associated with terrorism as esteemed personalities of the region.

This revelation has sparked significant political and social uproar.

The Controversial Book

At the center of this dispute is a book titled "Great Personalities and Legends of J&K," the fourth volume of which has been distributed in government schools. Published by Oberoi Book Services, the book has been edited by Hilal Ahmed and Santosh Meena. Allegations suggest that this book was procured under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan for the academic session of 2025-26 and subsequently made its way into the libraries of government schools in Jammu and Kashmir.

Allegations of Distortion of History

According to the Jammu and Kashmir People's Forum, the book presents controversial and separatist figures such as Maqbool Bhat, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Shabir Ahmad Shah, Masrat Alam Bhat, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, and Maulvi Mohammad Farooq as "great personalities." The organization argues that this is not merely a case of historical writing but a deliberate attempt to spread ideological poison that could adversely affect the minds of children and youth.

Legal Perspectives on the Issue

In discussions with the media, advocate Raghu Mehta described this incident as a dangerous example of anti-national mentality. He accused the book of referring to Maqbool Bhat as "Shaheed Maqbool Bhat," "Shaheed-e-Azam," and even "Father of the Nation." Furthermore, the book glorifies his activities related to establishing a guerrilla network. Alarmingly, Jammu and Kashmir is referred to as "Indian-occupied Kashmir," which is seen as a direct affront to India's constitutional and national integrity.

Concerns Over Approval Process

Raghu Mehta also pointed out that the book describes Masrat Alam as a stone-pelter from childhood and labels the Indian Army and security forces as "occupying forces." This raises questions about who within the government approved such content and allowed it to reach schools. Is this merely negligence, or is it indicative of a more dangerous mindset within the system?

Demands for Action

The People's Forum has unequivocally stated that presenting individuals who have perpetuated an anti-India agenda and supported Pakistan-backed separatism as role models for children is a crime against society and the nation. They have questioned the basis on which the expert committee of the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan approved this book. Did no one review the content, or was it willfully ignored?

Call for Immediate Action

This controversy has also raised serious questions about the administration's role. The People's Forum has demanded that all copies of the book be immediately confiscated from schools, a high-level investigation into the procurement process be conducted, and strict action be taken against the officials and committee members who approved it. They have also called for the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir to intervene and initiate criminal proceedings against the guilty parties.

Lack of Official Response

Despite the gravity of these allegations, there has been no official response from the Jammu and Kashmir administration so far. This silence deepens the questions surrounding how such toxic material made its way into the educational system under the guise of education. Are school libraries now battlegrounds for ideological warfare? This issue transcends a single book; it is a sensitive matter that impacts the mindset of future generations and the unity of the nation.