The counter-intelligence wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Police has apprehended three publishers in connection with books allegedly promoting separatism within the region. The arrests followed a series of raids conducted in Jammu and various locations associated with the publishers in Delhi. This action comes days after objections were raised by social and political groups concerning the content of certain books distributed under the Samagra Shiksha programme, an initiative aimed at improving school education.
Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the investigation was initiated after widespread concerns were voiced regarding the material contained within these publications. The counter-intelligence teams executed raids on the premises of the publishers on July 6, leading to the detention of Inderpaul of Oberoi Book Service, based in Jammu, and Amardeep Singh and Girish Arora, associated with Noida-based Dominant Publishers. Both Oberoi Book Service and Dominant Publishers had reportedly been blacklisted by the government in the past, adding a layer of complexity to the ongoing inquiry.
Officials stated that the arrests are part of a comprehensive investigation into the printing and dissemination of books containing what they described as “highly inappropriate content.” Investigators are meticulously scrutinizing the roles of the publishers in the entire process, from printing to distribution of the material that has caused significant controversy. The books at the center of this probe are titled ‘Personalities and Legends of J&K,’ authored by Hilal Ahmad and Santosh Meena and published by Oberoi Book Service, and ‘Great Personalities of Jammu and Kashmir,’ penned by Sushant Giri and released by Delhi-based Anurag Prakashan.
The legal proceedings commenced on July 4, when the counter-intelligence unit registered a First Information Report (FIR). The FIR was filed under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 49 (abetment), Section 61(2) (criminal conspiracy), Section 152 (endangering the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India), Section 196 (promoting enmity, disharmony), and Section 353 (publishing, or circulating false statements, rumours or reports). Additionally, Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act was invoked. This stringent legal action was prompted by reports that two books, made available in government libraries, contained content that allegedly glorified separatist leaders, sparking immediate concern among authorities.
In response to the surfacing of these controversial books, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha ordered the suspension of eight officials and supervisory staff members from the School Education Department on July 4. An earlier official statement highlighted the department’s discovery of “highly inappropriate content” within the books. The statement further indicated a significant lapse, noting “serious negligence, dereliction of duty and lack of due diligence on the part of the members of the Sub-Committee Series 4 and supervisory officers while recommending such books which contained content related to separatism which has potential for creating law and order situations.” This suggests a systemic failure in the vetting process for educational materials, leading to the inclusion of content deemed detrimental to regional stability and national integrity.
The controversy underscores the sensitive nature of educational content in Jammu and Kashmir, a region with a complex political history. The Samagra Shiksha programme, designed to provide a holistic approach to school education, aims to ensure quality and equity. However, the alleged inclusion of content glorifying separatism raises questions about the oversight mechanisms in place to safeguard the curriculum from potentially divisive narratives. The investigation is expected to delve deeper into how these books bypassed existing checks and balances, and what measures will be implemented to prevent future occurrences. The authorities are reportedly committed to ensuring that educational materials align with national values and do not incite any form of separatism or disharmony. The broader implications of this incident may lead to a thorough review of the content selection and approval processes for all educational resources used across the Union Territory, with a focus on strengthening due diligence and accountability at all levels of the education department. The arrests are a clear signal from the authorities that such content will not be tolerated and that those involved in its propagation will face legal consequences. The focus remains on restoring public trust in the educational system and ensuring that it serves as a tool for national integration and progress, rather than a platform for divisive ideologies.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
