Early Times Report
Jammu, July 6: Even as the Jammu and Kashmir Government has banned the controversial book Personalities and Legends of J&K and initiated action against officials involved in its procurement for government schools, the same publication has now been found in the library of the Department of Political Science at the University of Jammu, triggering fresh controversy.
The book, which allegedly glorifies convicted terrorists and separatist leaders, was not only procured by the School Education Department but was also purchased by the Department of Political Science, University of Jammu, in 2021.
The Department of Political Science has courted controversy in the past as well, including over the introduction of academic topics related to Pakistan's founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah and philosopher-poet Muhammad Iqbal.
Two days after the Jammu and Kashmir Government banned the book, the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples' Forum claimed that the publication is available in the library of the University's Department of Political Science.
Ramesh C. Sabharwal, President of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples' Forum, said the government's decision to ban the book followed allegations that it glorified individuals associated with terrorism, separatism, and anti-India activities.
"The recent controversy surrounding the book Personalities and Legends of J&K has raised serious concerns across Jammu and Kashmir. The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has banned the book after allegations that it glorifies individuals associated with terrorism, separatism, and anti-India activities. The government has also suspended eight officials in connection with the recommendation of the book," Sabharwal said.
He claimed that despite the ban, the same book is available in the library of the Department of Political Science, University of Jammu, under Accession Number DL477237.
"Against this backdrop, it is deeply disturbing that the same book is available in the Library of the Department of Political Science, University of Jammu. The presence of such a controversial book, coupled with the government's action, demands an immediate explanation from the University administration," he said.
Sabharwal further alleged that the Department of Political Science has, on several occasions, faced criticism from various sections of society over the ideological orientation of certain academic discussions and course materials.
Describing the University of Jammu as a premier public institution funded by taxpayers, he said it is entrusted with promoting constitutional values, national integration, and academic excellence.
The Forum demanded an immediate inquiry into how the now-banned book came to be included in the Department of Political Science library. It also sought the suspension of the Head of the Department pending an investigation.
Questioning why the book continues to remain in the department's library despite the government ban, Sabharwal also demanded that the faculty member who recommended the book be identified and suspended until his or her credentials are examined by the CID and intelligence agencies.
The University of Jammu had not issued any official response to the allegations till the filing of this report. |
