J&K School Book Controversy: BJP, Civil Society Demand Probe Over Book Glorifying Separatists

The Omar Abdullah-led Jammu and Kashmir government is facing intense criticism after a book allegedly distributed to government school libraries under the Samagra Shiksha programme was accused of portraying separatist leaders and convicted terrorists as "great personalities" and "legends." The controversy centres around the book Great Personalities and Legends of J&K (Series 4), which allegedly contains chapters praising figures such as Maqbool Bhat, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Masarat Alam and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.The BJP and the Jammu and Kashmir People's Forum have demanded an immediate investigation, removal of the book from school libraries, and action against those responsible for approving and distributing it. While Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said he has neither read nor seen the book, the opposition has called for accountability, alleging that the educational material glorifies anti-national figures and undermines the sacrifices of India's security forces.