J-K parties condemn removal of Sufi saint chapter from class 9 textbook

Srinagar: The CPI(M) and People’s Conference strongly criticized the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (BOSE) on Thursday for removing a chapter about the revered Sufi saint Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani from the class 9 curriculum, with former Minister Sajad Gani Lone describing it as “cultural terrorism.”

However, National Conference spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq assured that the chapter would be reinstated, clarifying that the Education Minister had directed the officials to correct the issue. Sadiq added that the chapter on Sheikh-ul-Alam, an important figure in Kashmiri culture and Sufism, would not be removed from textbooks.

CPI(M) MLA M Y Tarigami expressed concern over the removal, calling it “deeply troubling” and urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene to ensure the chapter’s return. Tarigami criticized the censorship, noting that such actions before the Assembly elections are unacceptable in a society with rich Sufi traditions.

People’s Conference leader Sajad Lone also condemned the move, stating that the removal of the chapter was an “assault on our culture and ethos.” Lone emphasized that Sheikh-ul-Alam is revered by people across all religions and his teachings offer hope and guidance in times of violence and division. He strongly criticized the BOSE’s decision and reiterated that the saint’s legacy has been integral to Kashmiri culture long before the establishment of the board.

Lone called the incident an attempt to erase the teachings of the great saint, which have remained etched in the hearts and minds of the people.

With PTI inputs