J&K Parties Decry Removal of Chapter on Revered Sufi Saint from Class 9 Textbook
Srinagar, Dec 19: Political parties in Jammu and Kashmir, including the CPI(M) and the People’s Conference, have sharply criticised the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (BOSE) for removing a chapter on the life and teachings of the revered Sufi saint Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani (Sheikh-ul-Alam) from the Class 9 textbook. This move has sparked widespread outrage, with People’s Conference leader and former minister Sajad Gani Lone terming it “cultural terrorism.”
In response to the controversy, National Conference spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq assured that the chapter would not be excluded and that corrective action had been initiated. “The chapter on Sheikh-ul-Alam will remain in the textbooks. The Education Minister has directed the Principal Secretary to address and rectify the issue, particularly in the PDF version of the textbook,” Sadiq clarified during a press interaction.
CPI(M) leader M.Y. Tarigami expressed his deep concern over the development, calling it a “disturbing act of censorship.” He urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene and ensure the reinstatement of the chapter, emphasizing the importance of preserving Kashmir’s Sufi heritage.
Taking to X, Tarigami posted, “It is deeply troubling that an entire chapter on the revered Sufi saint Sheikh-ul-Alam has been dropped from the Class IX textbook. This censorship, carried out prior to the Assembly polls, is unacceptable to a society rooted in rich Sufi traditions. I urge Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to ensure that this crucial chapter is reinstated to honor our cultural and Sufi heritage.”
Sajad Gani Lone, chief of the People’s Conference, echoed these sentiments, condemning the removal as an assault on Kashmir’s cultural identity. “We have all revered him, and people, irrespective of religion, hold him in the highest esteem. This is pure cultural terrorism—an assault on our culture and ethos. As a Kashmiri, I strongly condemn it,” Lone stated on X.
Lone further highlighted the enduring significance of the saint’s teachings, particularly in the present times marked by societal unrest. “More than ever, these times are smudged with violence, greed, and hatred. In such a climate, our great saint is a beacon of hope and a role model for emulation,” he wrote.
He also took a pointed jab at BOSE, stating, “For those who removed the chapter—our great saint and his saintly ways were etched in our hearts and minds long before BOSE came into existence.”
The controversy has reignited a broader conversation about the preservation of Kashmir’s rich cultural and spiritual legacy. Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani, popularly known as Sheikh-ul-Alam, is regarded as a towering figure in Kashmir’s spiritual and cultural history. His teachings emphasize universal values of love, peace, and communal harmony, making his legacy deeply cherished across religious and social divides.
The removal of the chapter, particularly at a time when Kashmir is striving to preserve its unique identity amid rapid socio-political changes, has drawn severe criticism from scholars, educators, and cultural activists. Many view it as an affront to the region’s collective memory and a dismissal of its historical significance.
While the ruling National Conference has taken steps to rectify the situation, the incident has underscored concerns about the role of education in shaping cultural narratives. Critics argue that decisions like these undermine the inclusive ethos of Kashmir and risk alienating younger generations from their cultural roots.
As the controversy unfolds, the call for reinstating the chapter has gained momentum, with voices from across political and social spectrums demanding accountability. The episode serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between education, culture, and politics and the critical importance of safeguarding the narratives that define a region’s identity.
