Srinagar | July 4, 2026 : In a major administrative action, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has suspended eight officials of the School Education Department, terminated the services of a contractual employee, and ordered a high-level inquiry after two school library books were found to contain content allegedly “glorifying” separatism.
The action follows widespread objections from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress, and several other political organizations, which alleged that the books promoted separatist ideology and portrayed individuals linked to terrorism and stone-pelting in a positive light.
The School Education Department had already withdrawn both books from circulation on July 3, 2026.
The books at the center of the controversy are:
- “Personalities and Legends of J&K”, authored by Hilal Ahmad and Santosh Meena, published by Oberoi Book Service, Jammu.
- “Great Personalities of Jammu and Kashmir”, authored by Sushant Giri, published by Anurag Prakashan, Delhi.
According to official records, 123 copies of one book were distributed to schools in Jammu, Ramban, and Udhampur, while 128 copies of the second book were supplied to institutions in Jammu and Baramulla districts.
In its order, the School Education Department stated that the publications contained “highly inappropriate content” and pointed to serious negligence, dereliction of duty, and lack of proper due diligence by members of the screening sub-committee and supervisory officers responsible for recommending the books.
The government said the content had the potential to create law and order concerns, making the lapses unacceptable.
The eight suspended officials are:
- Fazil Imran Saddiqui
- Gurjeet Singh
- Sanjeev Sharma
- Shazia Kouser
- Imtiyaz Ahmad Mir
- Niranjan Sharma
- Renu Mengi
- Rajmohini
During their suspension, all officials will remain attached to the Administrative Department of the School Education Department pending further proceedings.
Additionally, Sheikh Suheel Ahmad, a contractual Computer Assistant associated with Samagra Shiksha, has been disengaged from service with immediate effect.
Given the seriousness of the issue, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has appointed Ashwani Kumar, Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Power Development Department, as the Inquiry Officer. Rohit Sharma, Additional Secretary in the General Administration Department, has been appointed as the Presenting Officer. The inquiry committee has been directed to submit its report within 30 days.
In another significant step, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has banned and blacklisted the authors and publishers of the controversial books across the Union Territory. The government has also ordered the withdrawal of any other printed material authored or published by them from educational institutions in Jammu and Kashmir.
The controversy has triggered strong political reactions.
The BJP alleged that the books glorified terrorists, separatists, and stone-pelters, calling the issue an instance of “academic jihad” aimed at influencing young minds through the education system. Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma demanded strict action, including accountability for those responsible for approving and distributing the publications.
The Congress also demanded an immediate ban on the books and called for a high-level investigation to identify officials responsible for allowing their distribution under the Samagra Shiksha Mission. Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee spokesperson Ravinder Sharma stated that the alleged conspiracy behind the publication and circulation of the books must be thoroughly investigated.
The Jammu and Kashmir Peoples’ Forum (JKPF) similarly criticized the publications, alleging that they portrayed separatist leaders and individuals accused of terrorism as “great personalities” and “legends,” and called for stringent action against all those involved.
The inquiry is expected to determine how the books were approved for circulation and whether disciplinary or legal action will be initiated against those found responsible.
