Sunil Sharma, Leader of the Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly and a senior BJP leader, on Saturday demanded an immediate ban on a book allegedly distributed in schools and libraries in Jammu and Kashmir, claiming it describes India as an “occupying power” and promotes a separatist narrative.
Addressing a press conference in Jammu, Sharma said the BJP was seeking a ban on the book, Personalities and Legends of J&K, and called for a criminal investigation into its publication, distribution and approval.
“The most disturbing and serious aspect of this book is that it describes India as an occupying power by using the term ‘IOK’ (Indian Occupied Kashmir). At one place, it even uses the term ‘IHK’ (India-Held Kashmir),” Sharma alleged.
“Just imagine—the book is printed using the money of Indian taxpayers and distributed to schoolchildren for study. The same India is described as an oppressive state. This is completely unacceptable,” he said.
Calling the content “seditious”, Sharma said, “This is not merely a matter of criticism. This is seditious in nature. Appropriate provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita should be invoked immediately, and an investigation should be initiated.”
The BJP leader alleged that the book formed part of a larger attempt to revive separatist sentiment in the region.
“This is part of a narrative, part of a discourse, that has been operating in Jammu and Kashmir for the past 36 years,” he said, referring to the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits, selective killings and what he described as attempts to mobilise youth “against the country, its Constitution, and its sovereignty, unity and integrity.”
He accused the ruling Jammu and Kashmir National Conference of providing “intellectual protection” to such narratives.
“Through what we call ‘academic jihad’, these forces are once again trying to poison the minds of young people and children, pushing them back towards separatism and terrorism,” Sharma alleged. “Such parties want to plunge Jammu and Kashmir into bloodshed again to advance their political interests.”
Sharma demanded that the book be withdrawn immediately from educational institutions.
“From this platform, the Bharatiya Janata Party demands that this book be banned with immediate effect,” he said.
He also claimed that during the Lieutenant Governor’s administration, 25 books containing material allegedly “against India’s sovereignty, Constitution, unity and integrity” had already been prohibited after being flagged by the BJP.
“Therefore, following the same pattern, this book… which has been distributed in libraries, should also be banned with immediate effect,” he said.
Seeking accountability beyond officials directly involved with the publication, Sharma called for a high-level probe.
“The inquiry should not be confined to lower-level officials. It should extend to those occupying the highest positions in the government, including ministers and even the Chief Minister, because this is not a minor issue,” he said.
Questioning the role of the Education Department, Sharma alleged that at a time when the youth of Jammu and Kashmir were aspiring to contribute to the country’s development, “the government, the Education Department and the Education Minister are distributing anti-national books” that seek to revive “the discourse of separatism and Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.”
He concluded by urging all constitutional and investigative agencies to “ban this book immediately, conduct a thorough investigation, and ensure that those found responsible are punished.”
