Asif Iqbal
Srinagar, Dec 5 (GNS): Amid an outcry over the depiction of last messenger of Islam in a class 7 textbook in circulation across various valley-based educational institutions, District administration Srinagar has sought an First Information Report be lodged against the Delhi-based publication house alongside a local distributor here on Sunday.
The Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Dr. Syed Haneef Balkhi in a communiqué, of which a copy lies with GNS, with subject matter reading ‘Publication of Content of Sensitive Nature in S.St. Book of Class 7th – Registration of FIR thereof, to Senior Superintendent of Police, Srinagar reads “…Chief Education Officer, Srinagar vide his communication No. CEO/Sgr./IMW/11499-11500/21 Dated 05.12.2021 has informed this office that a Delhi based Publishing House, JAY CEE Publications (P.) Ltd ., AIMO House Jhandewalan Extension, New Delhi has published a social studies book for class 7th wherein content of sensitive nature has reportedly been published and is in circulation. The said book is being stocked and distributed by Paradise Book Shop, Parraypora Srinagar.”
“…It is requested to take stern action against the said publishing house as well as the distributor of the book as per law”, reads the communiqué.
Taking exception to the illustration, voices have echoed from various quarters, asking for boycott of the publishing house for hurting the sentiments of Muslims.
“There is an absolute prohibition that Prophet Muhammad (SAW), or any of the other prophets of Islam be pictured in any way”, Showkat Ahmad, a college passout said.
Saying that the act tantamount to sort of blasphemy, he said the circulation of the book be stopped in entirety or it be taken back for rectification.
Urging the government to act into the issue, a journalist said, “Delhi based Publication House must be banned forever. Govt must act immediately”.
Many netizens took to social-media sites to urge the intervention of authorities into the matter, with many mainly demanding a complete ban on the publication house.
“This is highly condemnable act. The civics book is in circulation is various srinagar schools intends to hurt the religious sentiments of a particular religious community. I urge the Office of LG, J&K to kindly look into the matter”, wrote a netizen.
Rising up to the occasion, Board of School Education has directed all schools in Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh not to use the contentious textbook, contrary to which strict action will be initiated.
The BOSE has even asked the publication house to withdraw copies of the book already in circulation. (GNS)
