Representational image SRINAGAR/JAMMU: J&K police searched Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan’s office in Jammu and a publisher’s office in Noida as investigators widened Monday a probe into two books allegedly carrying separatist and anti-national content that were supplied to govt school libraries, sharpening a political row over lapses in scrutiny while triggering a debate over censorship.Counter-intelligence teams questioned Samagra Shiksha director and other officials at Channi Himmat on Jammu’s outskirts, while another team searched a publisher’s office in Noida. Police made no arrests and issued no official statement.Officials said searches were aimed at finding how the two books reached school libraries before content scrutiny was completed.According to an education official, four sub-committees of academicians and experts were set up to select books after library grants were received under Centre’s Samagra Shiksha scheme. They shortlisted 463 titles submitted by 364 publishers.Department scrutiny later flagged “highly inappropriate content” in “Personalities and Legends of J&K” by Hilal Ahmad and Santosh Meena, published by Jammu-based Oberoi Book Service, and “Great Personalities of Jammu and Kashmir” by Sushant Giri, published by New Delhi-based Anurag Prakashan.By then, 123 copies of the first book had reached schools in Jammu, Ramban and Udhampur, while 128 copies of the second had been supplied to schools in Jammu and Baramulla before both were withdrawn.LG Manoj Sinha’s administration withdrew both books from school libraries on July 4, suspended eight school education officials and ordered a high-level inquiry. CID registered an FIR under various sections of BNS and UAPA.BJP, Congress and other parties flagged alleged lapses. J&K Peoples’ Forum alleged “Personalities and Legends…” used terms such as “India-occupied Kashmir” and described banned JKLF founder Maqbool Bhat as “Shaheed-e-Azam”. Bhat was hanged in Tihar jail on Feb 11, 1984, after conviction for killing a CID inspector.Pushing back against calls for censorship, Kashmir’s chief cleric and Hurriyat Conference chairperson Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said banning books, ideas or organisations “doesn’t work”.“Kashmiris are proud of their civilizational legacy… You cannot ban everything written before 2019,” he said Monday. “I don’t think banning books works. If you ban books, what kind of message are you giving to society?”On Aug 5 last year, sixth anniversary of Article 370’s abrogation, J&K home department banned publication and circulation of 25 books, saying they promoted a “false narrative” and “secessionism” in the Union territory.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosRam Mandir Trust Meeting: Champat Rai’s Resignation Accepted, Donated Items Put On DisplayPM Modi Praises BJP Chief Nitin Nabin After Kejriwal’s ‘Who Are You’ Remark | WatchBaruipur Rape Horror: Mamata Leads Protest, CM Suvendu Vows to Ensure Death PenaltyRam Mandir Trust Chief Demands Strict Action As Donation Probe Intensifies FurtherIran Terms India’s Attendance At Khamenei Funeral ‘Deeply Valued Gesture’, Sends Formal GratitudeWedding, Car, Cash Gifts: Ram Temple Donation ‘Theft’ Accused’s Rs 19 Lakh Spending TrailMajor Landslide Hits Mumbai-Pune’s ‘Missing Link’; Flooding And Diversions Trigger Long Traffic JamsCongress Vows Fierce Fight Against Bill To Remove Ministers After 30 Days In CustodyAAP MP Sanjay Singh Targets VHP Chief Over Ram Mandir Probe, Demands Wider InvestigationGymkhana Club Challenges Eviction Notice, Delhi High Court Issues Notice To Centre | Watch123Photostories5 viral money affirmations people are repeating to attract wealth and abundanceFrom the nightingale to the canary: 5 birds with the world’s most beautiful songs6 pet fish that can live for several years with proper care: Long-living aquarium fish perfect for beginners and experienced owners8 everyday habits that kids raised in the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s rarely needed reminders for and what today’s parents can learn from them10 weird fruit trees you won’t believe actually existKangana Ranaut’s blue Leheriya saree is the bold airport fashion statement of the seasonCopperhead vs Water snake: 6 easy ways to tell the difference quickly7 summer potato salads that are filling, nutritious and finger-licking deliciousJEE Advanced AIR 2 Kabir Chhillar shares 5 smart prediction tips that worked for himThe biggest mistake people make in the gym? Hyderabad-based doctor says doing cardio before weights could be hurting your fitness goals123Hot PicksRam temple donationITR filing FY 2025-26Khamenei funeralThomas TuchelMumbai school holidayKimi AntonelliBank holidayMumbai schools holidayMumbai-Pune expresswayTop TrendingOzempic ShaadiAgnipath Scheme ReviewNainital Sex RacketFIFA World Cup 2026Bengal rapeRam temple donationMumbai rainBank holiday todayKanpur Woman AssaultKCET mock seat allotment
SRINAGAR/JAMMU: J&K police searched Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan’s office in Jammu and a publisher’s office in Noida as investigators widened Monday a probe into two books allegedly carrying separatist and anti-national content that were supplied to govt school libraries, sharpening a political row over lapses in scrutiny while triggering a debate over censorship.Counter-intelligence teams questioned Samagra Shiksha director and other officials at Channi Himmat on Jammu’s outskirts, while another team searched a publisher’s office in Noida. Police made no arrests and issued no official statement.Officials said searches were aimed at finding how the two books reached school libraries before content scrutiny was completed.According to an education official, four sub-committees of academicians and experts were set up to select books after library grants were received under Centre’s Samagra Shiksha scheme. They shortlisted 463 titles submitted by 364 publishers.Department scrutiny later flagged “highly inappropriate content” in “Personalities and Legends of J&K” by Hilal Ahmad and Santosh Meena, published by Jammu-based Oberoi Book Service, and “Great Personalities of Jammu and Kashmir” by Sushant Giri, published by New Delhi-based Anurag Prakashan.By then, 123 copies of the first book had reached schools in Jammu, Ramban and Udhampur, while 128 copies of the second had been supplied to schools in Jammu and Baramulla before both were withdrawn.LG Manoj Sinha’s administration withdrew both books from school libraries on July 4, suspended eight school education officials and ordered a high-level inquiry. CID registered an FIR under various sections of BNS and UAPA.BJP, Congress and other parties flagged alleged lapses. J&K Peoples’ Forum alleged “Personalities and Legends…” used terms such as “India-occupied Kashmir” and described banned JKLF founder Maqbool Bhat as “Shaheed-e-Azam”. Bhat was hanged in Tihar jail on Feb 11, 1984, after conviction for killing a CID inspector.Pushing back against calls for censorship, Kashmir’s chief cleric and Hurriyat Conference chairperson Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said banning books, ideas or organisations “doesn’t work”.“Kashmiris are proud of their civilizational legacy… You cannot ban everything written before 2019,” he said Monday. “I don’t think banning books works. If you ban books, what kind of message are you giving to society?”On Aug 5 last year, sixth anniversary of Article 370’s abrogation, J&K home department banned publication and circulation of 25 books, saying they promoted a “false narrative” and “secessionism” in the Union territory.
