Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 31: The Gujjars and Bakerwal of Jammu and Kashmir today objected on wording of a text book of class VIII published by J&K State Board of School Education.
In a joint meeting , organized by J&K Gujjars Youth Forum, J&K Gujjars -Bakerwals Students Federation and Young Gujjars Association Jammu, the community youth demanded immediate removal of the chapter-3, titled ‘Global Warming ‘ of the book published under Tulip Series-Book -8 -Text book of English for Class VIII .
After conclusion of the programme, a delegation of Gujjar students of Universities and colleges met Dr Javaid Rahi- a reputed scholar of the community and stated that a chapter written by Inam ur Rehman, English text book of class 8th, must be deleted from the book as it has contained defamatory content against tribes.
The youths presented a copy of the said book to Dr Rahi. The alleged defamatory text figures at page 20 of the text book of English VIII which reads: – “Rapid melting of Kolhai Glacier, one of the largest glacier of Kashmir Himalayas, has evoked concern among environments who stress for immediate measures to at least minimize its melting rate. Kohlai (glacier) has shrunk 18 percent during past three decades due to increase in temperature, caused by high levels of pollution by the emission of greenhouse gases by ever increasing vehicles and cement plants, increased human activities near the glacier particularly by Gujjars- Bakerwals”.
The youth stated that the writers have targeted the Gujjars and Bakerwal communities openly without applying his mind. They said that they have been portrayed as anti-ecology and environment communities, which is condemnable and untrue as well. Our community protects environment and ecology, the youth added.
Dr Rahi, after hearing the youth, mailed a letter to Nayeem Akhter, Minister for Education J&K Government, and requested the Minister to intervene in the matter immediately.
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