Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, the chief of All India Muslim Jamaat (AIMJ), criticized the Jammu and Kashmir government for including content glorifying separatist leaders and terrorists in textbooks obtained under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme. He called for an immediate ban on such books, expressing concerns that exposing students to such material could lead to radicalization.
Razvi’s remarks followed allegations by the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples’ Forum (JKPF) that a textbook procured under the scheme contains content glorifying separatist figures and terrorists, including Maqbool Bhat, the founder of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF). Razvi emphasized the need to introduce references to Sufism and the contributions of Sufi saints in the school curriculum to promote peace and patriotism.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Razvi stressed the importance of revising the curriculum to eliminate references to terrorists and incorporate teachings on Sufism. He urged authorities to replace existing textbooks with revised editions that focus on promoting patriotism and fostering a strong stance against terrorism.
Razvi also called for a thorough examination of those responsible for drafting the curriculum and suggested replacing current textbooks with new ones centered on Sufism. He emphasized the need to dissociate terrorism from any specific religion and commended the Centre’s decision to designate 17 Pakistan-based individuals as “terrorists” under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
