BJP demands immediate sacking of Education Minister

 Seeks ban on ‘Personalities and Legends of J&K’ included in Govt Libraries, educational institutions

Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly and senior BJP leader Sunil Sharma on Saturday demanded an immediate ban and withdrawal of the book Personalities and Legends of J&K from all government libraries and educational institutions, alleging that it glorifies terrorists, separatists and anti-India elements and poses a serious threat to the sovereignty and integrity of the country.

Addressing a press conference, alongwith  Dr Narinder Singh, National Secretary and MLA from Jammu South-R S Pura, Sunil Sethi, Chief Spokesperson and senior advocate, and party spokesperson Zorawar Singh Jamwal, Mr Sharma described the publication as “an act of academic subversion” and alleged that its inclusion in the government library system reflected the continued influence of what he termed an “anti-India and separatist ecosystem.”

He claimed that the book, authored by Hilal Ahmad and Santosh Meena and published by Paradise Press, was not a genuine historical account but an attempt to legitimise terrorism, separatism and anti-national ideology. According to him, the book allegedly portrays individuals involved in terrorism and separatist activities as “legends” and “freedom fighters,” while depicting actions against India and the Indian security forces in a sympathetic manner.

Sharma alleged that the use of expressions such as “Indian Occupied Kashmir” and the presentation of separatist narratives amounted to a direct challenge to India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He said such content sought to distort history, undermine national institutions and mislead young readers.

The BJP leader further alleged that the book served as “a manual of radicalisation and indoctrination” aimed at influencing the minds of the youth by gradually promoting anti-India sentiments. He asserted that allowing such literature to remain in government-funded libraries was unacceptable and called for immediate corrective action.

Referring to specific personalities featured in the publication, Sharma alleged that the book glorifies Maqbool Bhat, despite acknowledging his conviction in murder cases and his execution in Tihar Jail in 1984. He also objected to the portrayal of Hashim Qureshi, claiming the book details his role in the hijacking of an Indian Airlines aircraft while projecting him as a significant figure.

Sharma further criticised the inclusion of Masarat Alam Bhat, alleging that the publication highlights his role in the 2010 stone-pelting incidents despite multiple criminal cases against him. He also objected to extensive references to separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, alleging that his anti-India statements had been prominently featured in the book.

The Leader of Opposition also questioned the inclusion of separatist figures such as Abdul Ghani Lone and Muhammad Farooq Rehmani, alleging that the publication sought to mainstream separatist ideology under the guise of documenting personalities from Jammu and Kashmir.

Calling the issue one of national security rather than free speech, Sharma demanded an immediate ban on the book and the confiscation and destruction of all copies available in government libraries, educational institutions and public circulation.

He also sought a high-level inquiry to identify the officials, screening committees and librarians responsible for approving the procurement of the book for government libraries. Those found responsible, he said, should be suspended and prosecuted for facilitating what he described as anti-national propaganda.

Sharma further demanded a comprehensive audit of all government and school libraries across the Union Territory to identify and remove any other publications allegedly promoting separatist narratives or undermining India’s territorial integrity.

He asserted that the government must send a clear and unequivocal message that there would be no tolerance for literature glorifying terrorism or separatism and called for dismantling the ecosystem that, according to him, enabled such material to enter public institutions.