Thu Dec 19 16:48:03 UTC 2024: ## J&K Government to Review School Textbook Changes After Saint’s Chapter Removal Sparks Outrage

**Srinagar, December 19, 2024** – The Jammu and Kashmir government announced the formation of a committee to review the Union Territory’s school syllabus following public outcry over the removal of a chapter on Sheikh Noor-U-Din Wali, a popular Muslim saint, from a Class 9 English textbook.

Education Minister Sakina Masood Itoo stated that while the current textbooks have already been published, a committee will investigate the removal, potentially consulting academicians and subject matter experts. She criticized those who only now voiced concerns, implying they remained silent when the changes were implemented last year.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah affirmed that the chapter will not be deleted and confirmed the government’s action on the matter. Government officials revealed that non-local experts, hired by the previous Lieutenant Governor’s administration, drafted the textbooks without consulting local academics. The current administration aims to ensure a balanced approach that reflects local traditions and personalities from both Kashmir and Jammu.

The removal of the chapter has drawn strong condemnation from political parties. CPI(M) leader M.Y. Tarigami called the omission “unacceptable,” highlighting the region’s rich Sufi traditions. JKPC president Sajad Lone described the move as “pure cultural terrorism” and an attack on Kashmiri culture. He emphasized the saint’s importance to the Kashmiri people and his message of peace. The controversy underscores concerns about the representation of local history and culture in the J&K education system.

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