Controversy Erupts as Kashmir’s Sufi Saint’s Chapter Removed from J&K Textbook

The removal of a chapter about Kashmir’s revered Sufi saint, Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali, from the Class 9 English textbook by the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) has sparked a controversy. Former Srinagar mayor, Junaid Azim Mattu, criticized the Omar Abdullah-led National Conference (NC) government for allegedly undermining the region’s cultural identity.

Omission Sparks Outrage

On Twitter, Mattu shared a comparison of the textbook’s contents page from the Tulip Series, showing the previous version with seven chapters and the revised December 2023 edition containing only six. The earlier edition included a chapter dedicated to Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali, a key figure in Kashmir’s spiritual history, which has now been omitted.

In his tweet, Mattu questioned the government’s commitment to protecting the region’s identity, writing, “A new accomplishment by the new NC government. Chapter of prose by Sheikh Noor-ud-din Wali (RA) removed from J&K board English textbook for Class 9. And these people will fight for our ‘Tashakhus’ (identity)?”

Political Leaders React

The omission has drawn sharp criticism from local leaders. Mattu accused the government of disregarding the sentiments of the people, claiming that while the NC government holds meetings on various departments, it fails to take responsibility when it causes public distress. He also criticized the government’s priorities, stating, “They’re busy getting new suits stitched and, of course, new Kanis (traditional robes).”

Sheikh Imran, former deputy mayor of Srinagar, also condemned the decision, calling the removal of the chapter a direct attack on Kashmir’s cultural and spiritual heritage. “This brazen erasure under the JKNC government demands immediate accountability,” Imran wrote on Twitter, urging the Chief Minister to address the issue.

The issue was raised after the new government took office following the assembly elections. Teachers mentioned that the revised book had been introduced earlier in the year, but the controversy erupted only after the change in leadership. Efforts to contact Education Minister Sakina Itoo for comment were unsuccessful, as her mobile was turned off. When reached for comment, JKBOSE Assistant Director of Academics, Naila Neelofar, declined to provide details, stating she was not authorized to speak on the matter.

As the controversy continues to unfold, political leaders are demanding accountability for what they see as an intentional removal of a significant part of Kashmir’s spiritual history from educational materials.