The Jammu and Kashmir government took swift action by suspending eight officials and initiating a departmental inquiry after withdrawing controversial books from schools. These books, accused of glorifying separatists and terrorists, include works like “Personalities and Legends of J&K” and “Personalities of Jammu and Kashmir.” The suspended officials, responsible for approving these books, face allegations of serious negligence and lack of due diligence.
The government order highlighted that the books contained inappropriate content related to separatism, raising concerns about potential law and order issues. The suspended officials, including coordinators, lecturers, and academic officers, have been attached to the Administrative Department during their suspension period. Additionally, a Computer Assistant assisting the Coordinator has been disengaged from his contractual engagement.
Ashwani Kumar, IAS, has been appointed as the Inquiry Officer to investigate the matter, while Rohit Sharma, JKAS, will serve as the Presenting Officer. The Inquiry Officer is required to submit the inquiry report within 30 days. Furthermore, the authors and publishers of the controversial books have been banned and blacklisted in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, with all their printed materials to be withdrawn from the region.
