REPUBLIC IMPACT: J&K Govt Withdraws Books Glorifying Terrorists, Separatist Leaders As 'Great Personalities and Legends' in Schools

New Delhi: Hours after Republic reported extensively on books glorifying separatist leaders and terrorists in J&K government school libraries, the Samagra Shiksha Directorate withdrew all 123 books from schools across the union territory.

The action comes after widespread outrage over the book's portrayal of separatist leaders and militant figures as "great personalities" and "legends", with authorities also initiating action against all officials involved in its approval, procurement, publication, and circulation, while proceedings have been launched against those involved in its distribution.

What Sparked the Controversy?

The controversy erupted after the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples' Forum (JKPF) alleged that the book contained chapters on figures including Maqbool Bhat, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Shabir Ahmad Shah, Masarat Alam Bhat, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Maulvi Mohammad Farooq, portraying them as "great personalities".

The organisation alleged that the publication contained content that was anti-India and promoted separatist ideology.

The book, titled Great Personalities and Legends of J&K (Series 4), was published by Obrai Books Service and edited by Hilal Ahmed and Santosh Meena. 

According to the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples' Forum (JKPF), it was procured during the 2025-26 academic session and supplied to libraries in government and government-aided schools across Jammu and Kashmir.

According to JKPF, the book referred to Maqbool Bhat as "Shaheed Maqbool Bhat", "Shaheed-e-Azam" and even "Father of the Nation." It also allegedly described Kashmir as "IOK" (Indian Occupied Kashmir), terminology that the organisation said runs contrary to India's official position.

Further, it claimed that the publication describes Masarat Alam Bhat as a stone-pelter from childhood and refers to the Indian Army and security forces as "occupational forces," language it alleges promotes separatist narratives.

JKPF Demanded Action

Addressing the media, JKPF's Advocate Raghu Mehta said presenting such individuals as role models for students was unacceptable.

"The book glorifies individuals who spent their lives working against the Government of India and sought the merger of Kashmir with Pakistan. Presenting them as role models for students is a massive blunder and a sin against society," he said.

'Never Heard of It': Omar Abdullah

Responding to the controversy, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said he was unaware of the publication.

"I don't know anything about the book. I have never heard of it," Abdullah said when asked about the issue.

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