Indian textbook draws flak for describing Pakistan as “den of terrorism”
AHMEDABAD, India (AFP) - Indian parents slammed a social science book being used in schools in the western state of Gujarat which describes Pakistan as a “den of terrorism.”
Agitated parents told a press conference in the state’s commercial capital Ahmedabad (news - web sites) that they did not want their children learning “distorted facts” from the book, ‘Social Sciences: Standard 8.’
“As a parent, I am very concerned that my child will grow up learning distorted facts. Even the language in the book is stilted,” said Kalpana Kamdar, who has demanded school authorities investigate the matter.
The new social science textbook with references to India’s neighbour Pakistan was introduced by Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist government at the start of the academic year in June. It is being taught to students aged around 13.
In a chapter titled ‘Remedies against terrorism,’ the book states: “Gujarat is a border state. Its land and sea boundaries touch the boundaries of Pakistan, which is like a den of terrorism.”
“Under such circumstances, it is absolutely necessary for us to understand the effects of terrorism… If citizens join the defense forces and receive training, it will be helpful in the fight against terrorism. The fight against terrorism is a holy war being fought in the interest of people,” it added.
Social activist Cederic Prakash, who has researched the textbook says it is replete with “factual errors.”
“Our research study shows that this new textbook is replete with factual inaccuracies, historical distortions, manipulative, unscientific and above all highly discriminatory statements,” said Prakash.
Some 2,000 people died in anti-Muslim riots in Gujarat that broke out in February 2002 when an allegedly Muslim mob torched a train carrying Hindu activists, killing 59 people.
Human rights groups say Gujarat’s Hindu nationalist government turned a blind eye and at times encouraged the bloodshed.
