July 5, 2026

(ANI file photo) SRINAGAR/JAMMU: A political storm erupted Saturday in J&K after it was found that a book for govt school libraries described the region as “India-occupied Kashmir” and “Indian-held Kashmir” and referred to banned JKLF founder Maqbool Bhat as “Shaheed”.Opposition BJP demanded education minister Sakina Itoo’s resignation, sought an immediate ban on the book and criminal action against those responsible, while lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha’s administration suspended eight school education department officials, blacklisted authors and publishers, withdrew two books from govt school libraries and ordered a high-level inquiry.Assembly leader of opposition Sunil Sharma alleged “Personalities and Legends of J&K” — the book supplied to govt school libraries under the central scheme Samagra Shiksha — promoted an “anti-national” narrative. “The book should be banned immediately. Those responsible for approving, publishing and distributing it must be identified and held accountable,” he said, demanding Itoo’s dismissal and a probe covering officials, “including those at the ministerial level”.In Jammu, J&K Peoples’ Forum alleged the book used terms such as “India-occupied Kashmir”, described JKLF’s Bhat as “Shaheed-e-Azam” and projected him as a “great personality”. Bhat was hanged and buried in Tihar jail in Feb 1984 after being convicted of killing a CID inspector.Congress also demanded a high-level probe and action against those responsible.CM Omar Abdullah declined comment, saying he had not read the book. Itoo could not be reached despite repeated calls.According to school education commissioner secretary Ram Niwas Sharma, library grants for 18,328 govt schools and 394 PM Shri schools were received under Samagra Shiksha. He said four sub-committees comprising experts and academicians from both Jammu and Kashmir divisions were constituted to select appropriate books.The sub-committees shortlisted 463 books submitted by 364 publishers. Sharma didn’t reveal the shortlist date.The department later pored over the books and found “highly inappropriate content” in “Personalities and Legends of J&K” by Hilal Ahmad and Santosh Meena and “Great Personalities of Jammu and Kashmir” by Sushant Giri.By then, however, 123 copies of the first book had already reached schools in Jammu, Ramban and Udhampur, while 128 copies of the second were supplied to Jammu and Baramulla before both were withdrawn. Authors and publishers were blacklisted and all their publications ordered removed from J&K.Govt suspended Fazil Imran Saddiqui, Gurjeet Singh, Sanjeev Sharma, Shazia Kousar, Imtiyaz Ahmad Mir, Niranjan Sharma, Renu Mengi and Rajmohini, disengaged a contractual computer assistant and appointed financial commissioner Ashwani Kumar to complete an inquiry within 30 days.The row revived a long-running battle over narratives in J&K. Last Aug, LG-led administration banned 25 books, alleging they promoted “false narratives”, secessionism and glorified terrorism, in what officials described as a push against “narrative warfare” in Kashmir. Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMamata Calls TMC Rebels ‘Traitors’, Dares Rivals To ‘Kill Me’ As Party Split DeepensKedarnath-Badrinath Donation Row: Cong Questions BJP, Temple Committee Launches ProbeJ&K School Book Controversy: BJP, Civil Society Demand Probe Over Book Glorifying SeparatistsHAPS Explained: How India’s New High-Altitude Surveillance Aircraft Will Boost Defence CapabilitiesDelhi Court Reserves Order On Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam’s Fresh Bail Pleas In Riots CaseSTORY GOVT DEBUNKS E20 FUEL MYTHS 10-POINT CLARIFICATIONFresh Blow To Mamata Camp As Bengal Chief Quits During Intensifying TMC Power StrugglePM Modi Dedicates India’s 1st Greenfield Integrated Refinery-Cum-Petrochemical Complex at PachpadraRam Temple Tightens Donation Security As SIT Deepens Probe Into Alleged EmbezzlementPM Narendra Modi Opens Jodhpur’s New Airport Terminal, Launches Revamped UDAN Scheme123PhotostoriesLiver cancer doesn’t always announce itself: The early symptoms many people missA chair may be one of the most dangerous places for your heart: Cardiologist explains the risks of sitting too longKyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi: Smriti Irani and the OG cast reunite as show turns 26 for an intimate get-together; Gauri says ‘Some stories never end’Harvard gastroenterologist reveals 7 silent symptoms of pancreatic cancer everyone should knowWorld Biryani Day 2026: 12 iconic Biryanis from across India to celebrate with7 Birds that can remember human faces for years and surprise scientists with their intelligenceFrom Inland Taipan to killer bees: 5 small-sized beasts that can take a human life in minutesHow to know if you are being manipulated in a relationship: Psychologist shares 3 evident signs people often ignoreFrom America to India: The world’s most beautiful birds lost to extinction and those on the brink of disappearing foreverShopping for a Banarasi saree? 5 terms that will save you thousands123Hot PicksTrump tariffsLuka Modric Net WorthEPF Scheme 2026Amarnath Yatra 2026Income Tax Return FilingMumbai rainUS unemploymentMicrosoft layoffsIndia Japal TradeTop TrendingMumbai rainDelhi rainWeather tomorrowFIFA World Cup 2026GTA 6 Estimated SizeNew England PatriotsCandace OwensFIFA War DecisionCA Toppers ListAnitha Radhakrishnan

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins
(ANI file photo) SRINAGAR/JAMMU: A political storm erupted Saturday in J&K after it was found that a book for govt school libraries described the region as “India-occupied Kashmir” and “Indian-held Kashmir” and referred to banned JKLF founder Maqbool Bhat as “Shaheed”.Opposition BJP demanded education minister Sakina Itoo’s resignation, sought an immediate ban on the book and criminal action against those responsible, while lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha’s administration suspended eight school education department officials, blacklisted authors and publishers, withdrew two books from govt school libraries and ordered a high-level inquiry.Assembly leader of opposition Sunil Sharma alleged “Personalities and Legends of J&K” — the book supplied to govt school libraries under the central scheme Samagra Shiksha — promoted an “anti-national” narrative. “The book should be banned immediately. Those responsible for approving, publishing and distributing it must be identified and held accountable,” he said, demanding Itoo’s dismissal and a probe covering officials, “including those at the ministerial level”.In Jammu, J&K Peoples’ Forum alleged the book used terms such as “India-occupied Kashmir”, described JKLF’s Bhat as “Shaheed-e-Azam” and projected him as a “great personality”. Bhat was hanged and buried in Tihar jail in Feb 1984 after being convicted of killing a CID inspector.Congress also demanded a high-level probe and action against those responsible.CM Omar Abdullah declined comment, saying he had not read the book. Itoo could not be reached despite repeated calls.According to school education commissioner secretary Ram Niwas Sharma, library grants for 18,328 govt schools and 394 PM Shri schools were received under Samagra Shiksha. He said four sub-committees comprising experts and academicians from both Jammu and Kashmir divisions were constituted to select appropriate books.The sub-committees shortlisted 463 books submitted by 364 publishers. Sharma didn’t reveal the shortlist date.The department later pored over the books and found “highly inappropriate content” in “Personalities and Legends of J&K” by Hilal Ahmad and Santosh Meena and “Great Personalities of Jammu and Kashmir” by Sushant Giri.By then, however, 123 copies of the first book had already reached schools in Jammu, Ramban and Udhampur, while 128 copies of the second were supplied to Jammu and Baramulla before both were withdrawn. Authors and publishers were blacklisted and all their publications ordered removed from J&K.Govt suspended Fazil Imran Saddiqui, Gurjeet Singh, Sanjeev Sharma, Shazia Kousar, Imtiyaz Ahmad Mir, Niranjan Sharma, Renu Mengi and Rajmohini, disengaged a contractual computer assistant and appointed financial commissioner Ashwani Kumar to complete an inquiry within 30 days.The row revived a long-running battle over narratives in J&K. Last Aug, LG-led administration banned 25 books, alleging they promoted “false narratives”, secessionism and glorified terrorism, in what officials described as a push against “narrative warfare” in Kashmir. Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMamata Calls TMC Rebels ‘Traitors’, Dares Rivals To ‘Kill Me’ As Party Split DeepensKedarnath-Badrinath Donation Row: Cong Questions BJP, Temple Committee Launches ProbeJ&K School Book Controversy: BJP, Civil Society Demand Probe Over Book Glorifying SeparatistsHAPS Explained: How India’s New High-Altitude Surveillance Aircraft Will Boost Defence CapabilitiesDelhi Court Reserves Order On Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam’s Fresh Bail Pleas In Riots CaseSTORY GOVT DEBUNKS E20 FUEL MYTHS 10-POINT CLARIFICATIONFresh Blow To Mamata Camp As Bengal Chief Quits During Intensifying TMC Power StrugglePM Modi Dedicates India’s 1st Greenfield Integrated Refinery-Cum-Petrochemical Complex at PachpadraRam Temple Tightens Donation Security As SIT Deepens Probe Into Alleged EmbezzlementPM Narendra Modi Opens Jodhpur’s New Airport Terminal, Launches Revamped UDAN Scheme123PhotostoriesLiver cancer doesn’t always announce itself: The early symptoms many people missA chair may be one of the most dangerous places for your heart: Cardiologist explains the risks of sitting too longKyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi: Smriti Irani and the OG cast reunite as show turns 26 for an intimate get-together; Gauri says ‘Some stories never end’Harvard gastroenterologist reveals 7 silent symptoms of pancreatic cancer everyone should knowWorld Biryani Day 2026: 12 iconic Biryanis from across India to celebrate with7 Birds that can remember human faces for years and surprise scientists with their intelligenceFrom Inland Taipan to killer bees: 5 small-sized beasts that can take a human life in minutesHow to know if you are being manipulated in a relationship: Psychologist shares 3 evident signs people often ignoreFrom America to India: The world’s most beautiful birds lost to extinction and those on the brink of disappearing foreverShopping for a Banarasi saree? 5 terms that will save you thousands123Hot PicksTrump tariffsLuka Modric Net WorthEPF Scheme 2026Amarnath Yatra 2026Income Tax Return FilingMumbai rainUS unemploymentMicrosoft layoffsIndia Japal TradeTop TrendingMumbai rainDelhi rainWeather tomorrowFIFA World Cup 2026GTA 6 Estimated SizeNew England PatriotsCandace OwensFIFA War DecisionCA Toppers ListAnitha Radhakrishnan


'Anti-national' school library book rocks J&K, 8 officials suspended

SRINAGAR/JAMMU: A political storm erupted Saturday in J&K after it was found that a book for govt school libraries described the region as “India-occupied Kashmir” and “Indian-held Kashmir” and referred to banned JKLF founder Maqbool Bhat as “Shaheed”.Opposition BJP demanded education minister Sakina Itoo’s resignation, sought an immediate ban on the book and criminal action against those responsible, while lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha’s administration suspended eight school education department officials, blacklisted authors and publishers, withdrew two books from govt school libraries and ordered a high-level inquiry.Assembly leader of opposition Sunil Sharma alleged “Personalities and Legends of J&K” — the book supplied to govt school libraries under the central scheme Samagra Shiksha — promoted an “anti-national” narrative. “The book should be banned immediately. Those responsible for approving, publishing and distributing it must be identified and held accountable,” he said, demanding Itoo’s dismissal and a probe covering officials, “including those at the ministerial level”.In Jammu, J&K Peoples’ Forum alleged the book used terms such as “India-occupied Kashmir”, described JKLF’s Bhat as “Shaheed-e-Azam” and projected him as a “great personality”. Bhat was hanged and buried in Tihar jail in Feb 1984 after being convicted of killing a CID inspector.Congress also demanded a high-level probe and action against those responsible.CM Omar Abdullah declined comment, saying he had not read the book. Itoo could not be reached despite repeated calls.According to school education commissioner secretary Ram Niwas Sharma, library grants for 18,328 govt schools and 394 PM Shri schools were received under Samagra Shiksha. He said four sub-committees comprising experts and academicians from both Jammu and Kashmir divisions were constituted to select appropriate books.The sub-committees shortlisted 463 books submitted by 364 publishers. Sharma didn’t reveal the shortlist date.The department later pored over the books and found “highly inappropriate content” in “Personalities and Legends of J&K” by Hilal Ahmad and Santosh Meena and “Great Personalities of Jammu and Kashmir” by Sushant Giri.By then, however, 123 copies of the first book had already reached schools in Jammu, Ramban and Udhampur, while 128 copies of the second were supplied to Jammu and Baramulla before both were withdrawn. Authors and publishers were blacklisted and all their publications ordered removed from J&K.Govt suspended Fazil Imran Saddiqui, Gurjeet Singh, Sanjeev Sharma, Shazia Kousar, Imtiyaz Ahmad Mir, Niranjan Sharma, Renu Mengi and Rajmohini, disengaged a contractual computer assistant and appointed financial commissioner Ashwani Kumar to complete an inquiry within 30 days.The row revived a long-running battle over narratives in J&K. Last Aug, LG-led administration banned 25 books, alleging they promoted “false narratives”, secessionism and glorified terrorism, in what officials described as a push against “narrative warfare” in Kashmir.



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Kashmir (ANI photo) SRINAGAR: Romance bloomed across the LoC and drew Zeeshan Mir past the treacherous line, only for him to be caught until love finally saved the day.The 22-year-old from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) was repatriated home Saturday, over a month after he was intercepted crossing the LoC in north Kashmir’s Uri, as authorities viewed his intrusion as the desperate attempt of a lover to meet his beloved rather than a case of a conventional infiltration.The resident of PoK’s Pankedi village was handed over to Pakistani defence forces at Uri’s Kaman Crossing after all legal formalities that followed a “three-minute meeting” with Iram Bano, his lady love who lives in Tilawari village near the LoC.The handover capped a heart-wrenching turn of events that began on May 31 when Mir was caught in Silikote area, followed by Iram’s short detention to verify his version. Soon after, a video went viral purportedly showing the couple identifying themselves while responding to questions from an unseen person, believed to be a security official.While Iram was let off soon and spared a case, Mir was booked under several laws, including the Foreigners Act. However, an Uri court later accepted J&K police’s final report saying Mir had crossed over for Iram and closed the case, resulting in his acquittal.Police officials confirmed it was a case of love, with the two families on two sides of the border related and the couple communicating with each other through social media. Mir’s family was originally from Uri but migrated to PoK decades ago, the officers added.Iram’s family had kept in touch with Mir during the time legal proceedings were on and he was kept at Uri police station. “We got clothes and shoes for him,” said Afroza Begam, Iram’s mother.Saturday’s meeting was fleeting, though. Afroza said they were allowed to see Mir only for three minutes before he was taken for repatriation. “He was calm and told us not to cry,” she said.According to Afroza, Mir was treated by the Indian Army “like a guest”. “We hope they (PoK authorities) treat him nicely,” Afroza said. She expressed hope that Mir and Iram can get married soon. “Hope Iram’s visa is approved,” Afroza added.The Army stressed that Mir was taken care of well. “During his stay in India, Mir was treated with dignity, compassion and due care, reflecting the Indian’s Army commitment to humanitarian values and professional conduct,” the Army said in a statement.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMamata Calls TMC Rebels ‘Traitors’, Dares Rivals To ‘Kill Me’ As Party Split DeepensKedarnath-Badrinath Donation Row: Cong Questions BJP, Temple Committee Launches ProbeJ&K School Book Controversy: BJP, Civil Society Demand Probe Over Book Glorifying SeparatistsHAPS Explained: How India’s New High-Altitude Surveillance Aircraft Will Boost Defence CapabilitiesDelhi Court Reserves Order On Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam’s Fresh Bail Pleas In Riots CaseSTORY GOVT DEBUNKS E20 FUEL MYTHS 10-POINT CLARIFICATIONFresh Blow To Mamata Camp As Bengal Chief Quits During Intensifying TMC Power StrugglePM Modi Dedicates India’s 1st Greenfield Integrated Refinery-Cum-Petrochemical Complex at PachpadraRam Temple Tightens Donation Security As SIT Deepens Probe Into Alleged EmbezzlementPM Narendra Modi Opens Jodhpur’s New Airport Terminal, Launches Revamped UDAN Scheme123PhotostoriesLiver cancer doesn’t always announce itself: The early symptoms many people missA chair may be one of the most dangerous places for your heart: Cardiologist explains the risks of sitting too longKyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi: Smriti Irani and the OG cast reunite as show turns 26 for an intimate get-together; Gauri says ‘Some stories never end’Harvard gastroenterologist reveals 7 silent symptoms of pancreatic cancer everyone should knowWorld Biryani Day 2026: 12 iconic Biryanis from across India to celebrate with7 Birds that can remember human faces for years and surprise scientists with their intelligenceFrom Inland Taipan to killer bees: 5 small-sized beasts that can take a human life in minutesHow to know if you are being manipulated in a relationship: Psychologist shares 3 evident signs people often ignoreFrom America to India: The world’s most beautiful birds lost to extinction and those on the brink of disappearing foreverShopping for a Banarasi saree? 5 terms that will save you thousands123Hot PicksTrump tariffsLuka Modric Net WorthEPF Scheme 2026Amarnath Yatra 2026Income Tax Return FilingMumbai rainUS unemploymentMicrosoft layoffsIndia Japal TradeTop TrendingMumbai rainDelhi rainWeather tomorrowFIFA World Cup 2026GTA 6 Estimated SizeNew England PatriotsCandace OwensFIFA War DecisionCA Toppers ListAnitha Radhakrishnan

Kashmir (ANI photo) SRINAGAR: Romance bloomed across the LoC and drew Zeeshan Mir past the treacherous line, only for him to be caught until love finally saved the day.The 22-year-old from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) was repatriated home Saturday, over a month after he was intercepted crossing the LoC in north Kashmir’s Uri, as authorities viewed his intrusion as the desperate attempt of a lover to meet his beloved rather than a case of a conventional infiltration.The resident of PoK’s Pankedi village was handed over to Pakistani defence forces at Uri’s Kaman Crossing after all legal formalities that followed a “three-minute meeting” with Iram Bano, his lady love who lives in Tilawari village near the LoC.The handover capped a heart-wrenching turn of events that began on May 31 when Mir was caught in Silikote area, followed by Iram’s short detention to verify his version. Soon after, a video went viral purportedly showing the couple identifying themselves while responding to questions from an unseen person, believed to be a security official.While Iram was let off soon and spared a case, Mir was booked under several laws, including the Foreigners Act. However, an Uri court later accepted J&K police’s final report saying Mir had crossed over for Iram and closed the case, resulting in his acquittal.Police officials confirmed it was a case of love, with the two families on two sides of the border related and the couple communicating with each other through social media. Mir’s family was originally from Uri but migrated to PoK decades ago, the officers added.Iram’s family had kept in touch with Mir during the time legal proceedings were on and he was kept at Uri police station. “We got clothes and shoes for him,” said Afroza Begam, Iram’s mother.Saturday’s meeting was fleeting, though. Afroza said they were allowed to see Mir only for three minutes before he was taken for repatriation. “He was calm and told us not to cry,” she said.According to Afroza, Mir was treated by the Indian Army “like a guest”. “We hope they (PoK authorities) treat him nicely,” Afroza said. She expressed hope that Mir and Iram can get married soon. “Hope Iram’s visa is approved,” Afroza added.The Army stressed that Mir was taken care of well. “During his stay in India, Mir was treated with dignity, compassion and due care, reflecting the Indian’s Army commitment to humanitarian values and professional conduct,” the Army said in a statement.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMamata Calls TMC Rebels ‘Traitors’, Dares Rivals To ‘Kill Me’ As Party Split DeepensKedarnath-Badrinath Donation Row: Cong Questions BJP, Temple Committee Launches ProbeJ&K School Book Controversy: BJP, Civil Society Demand Probe Over Book Glorifying SeparatistsHAPS Explained: How India’s New High-Altitude Surveillance Aircraft Will Boost Defence CapabilitiesDelhi Court Reserves Order On Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam’s Fresh Bail Pleas In Riots CaseSTORY GOVT DEBUNKS E20 FUEL MYTHS 10-POINT CLARIFICATIONFresh Blow To Mamata Camp As Bengal Chief Quits During Intensifying TMC Power StrugglePM Modi Dedicates India’s 1st Greenfield Integrated Refinery-Cum-Petrochemical Complex at PachpadraRam Temple Tightens Donation Security As SIT Deepens Probe Into Alleged EmbezzlementPM Narendra Modi Opens Jodhpur’s New Airport Terminal, Launches Revamped UDAN Scheme123PhotostoriesLiver cancer doesn’t always announce itself: The early symptoms many people missA chair may be one of the most dangerous places for your heart: Cardiologist explains the risks of sitting too longKyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi: Smriti Irani and the OG cast reunite as show turns 26 for an intimate get-together; Gauri says ‘Some stories never end’Harvard gastroenterologist reveals 7 silent symptoms of pancreatic cancer everyone should knowWorld Biryani Day 2026: 12 iconic Biryanis from across India to celebrate with7 Birds that can remember human faces for years and surprise scientists with their intelligenceFrom Inland Taipan to killer bees: 5 small-sized beasts that can take a human life in minutesHow to know if you are being manipulated in a relationship: Psychologist shares 3 evident signs people often ignoreFrom America to India: The world’s most beautiful birds lost to extinction and those on the brink of disappearing foreverShopping for a Banarasi saree? 5 terms that will save you thousands123Hot PicksTrump tariffsLuka Modric Net WorthEPF Scheme 2026Amarnath Yatra 2026Income Tax Return FilingMumbai rainUS unemploymentMicrosoft layoffsIndia Japal TradeTop TrendingMumbai rainDelhi rainWeather tomorrowFIFA World Cup 2026GTA 6 Estimated SizeNew England PatriotsCandace OwensFIFA War DecisionCA Toppers ListAnitha Radhakrishnan

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