Srinagar, Dec 19 : Kashmir mainstream parties have hit out at the government for excluding a chapter on revered Sufi saint Sheikh Noor-ud-din from the Class IX text books.

Sheikh Noor-U-Din Wali, a revered Sufi saint, holds deep respect among both Kashmiri Muslims and Pandits. The exclusion of a chapter on his life from the Class 9 English textbook has sparked widespread criticism.

Peoples Conference President and Member of J&K Legislative Assembly Handwara, Sajad Lone strongly condemned the removal of a chapter based on the saintly life of greatly revered Kashmiri saint Sheikh Noor-U-Din Wali from Class 9 textbooks by Board of School Education’s (BOSE)

He called it “pure cultural terrorism” and “an assault on our culture and ethos.”

“Sheikh Noor-U-Din Wali has been revered by all Kashmiris, irrespective of religion and is held in the highest esteem,” Lone said.

He emphasized that in these times, “smudged with violence, greed and hatred,” the great saint’s life serves as a “beacon of hope and a role model for emulation.”

“Our great Saint and his Saintly ways were etched in our hearts and minds much before BOSE came into existence,” Lone remarked.

Urging for introspection, he strongly condemned the decision, reaffirming that the teachings and legacy of Sheikh Noor-U-Din Wali are an inseparable part of Kashmir’s cultural and spiritual identity.

CPI(M) Central Committee Member and MLA Kulgam, M Y Tarigami said 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 blue-pencilling, carried out prior to the Assembly polls, is unacceptable to a society rooted in rich Sufi traditions. I urge Chief Minister @OmarAbdullah to intervene and ensure that this crucial chapter is reinstated, thereby preserving and honoring our rich cultural and Sufi heritage,” he said in a post on X.

Former Srinagar mayor Junaid Azim Mattu hit out at the J&K government over the issue.

“They chair meetings of all departments but when they hurt the sentiments of the people they pass the buck. This shoot and scoot policy and passing the parcel policy of National Conference doesn’t fool anyone. They’re busy in getting new suits stitched. And of course new Kanis,” Mattu posted on X.

UNI