The National Conference President and Member of Parliament from Srinagar Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Sunday condemned the pictorial depictions in a school textbook relating to Islam in a History and Civics book, currently in circulation, asserting that such irresponsible publication has hurt the sentiments of Muslims and also runs counter to the efforts of forging tolerance.
Such irresponsible publications are hurtful and least helpful in preserving the values of dialogue and coexistence, while condemning the caricatures with regards to Islam. “It seems that the Government has thrown caution to the wind while dealing with such a sensitive subject. School books should be a beacon of respect, tolerance and peace that rejects practices and acts which are contrary to coexistence. A thorough inquiry should be ordered into the matter and those behind publishing such caricatures insensitive to Muslims should be dealt with as per the rule of the land, said Dr. Farooq as per a statement issued to Kashmir Despatch.
A committee should ideally be there to review the content of books meant for the kids. I demand the book be withdrawn from circulation forthwith followed by the punitive action against the concerned publishing house,” he said.
Party General Secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar, Provincial President Nasir Aslam Wani, senior leaders Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan, Mohammad Shafi Uri, Mian Altaf, Nazir Gurezi, party MPs Mohammad Akbar Lone, Hasnain Masoodi, Sakina Itoo, Shameema Firdous, Javed Dar, Dr Bashir Veeri, Ali Mohammad Dar, district Presidents, Imran Nabi Dar, Salman Ali Sagar have also demanded that the text book be withdrawn immediately and necessary action taken against those who have hurt the sentiments of Muslims.
