Former Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP), SP Vaid, criticized the Union Territory government for approving a book that glorifies extremists and separatist leaders. He welcomed the Centre’s designation of 23 individuals as terrorists under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The Ministry of Home Affairs’ move was described by Vaid as a powerful statement globally.
Out of the 23 designated terrorists, 17 are Pakistani nationals and six are Indian nationals, operating from Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Vaid highlighted that designating them will aid investigating agencies in seizing their properties. Responding to a controversy over a book in government school libraries glorifying separatist figures, Vaid termed it extremely shameful.
The former DGP criticized the Jammu and Kashmir government for approving a book quoting separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani. He emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir’s accession to India is legitimate, contrasting it with the occupation in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. Vaid condemned the portrayal of Jammu and Kashmir as occupied, calling it a reflection of the government’s mindset.
Vaid pointed out that the book glorifies JKLF founder Maqbool Bhat, a convicted terrorist. He questioned the portrayal of separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq as the last hope of Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the author’s perspective. Vaid urged for legal action against those responsible for approving the book, expressing concerns about its impact on future generations.
