In Rajasthan, India, social activists and Muslim groups have registered a criminal case following a school textbook and a guidebook on political science, having linked Islam with terrorism.  The Times of India reports that the textbook was published by the Rajasthan State Textbook Board.

In a chapter on “Terrorism, Criminalization of Politics and Corruption”, the Class 12 textbook asks: “What do you understand by Islamic terrorism?” Another multiple-choice question: “Which one of the following is not the main objective of Islamic terrorism?” offers the options as establishing a Muslim nation, implementing Islamic laws and principles, establishing peace, and resisting Western non-Muslim powers with violence.

According to the Times of India, the answer key given in the students’ Guidebook states that Islamic terrorism is a “form of Islam”.  It says Islamic terrorism became “very powerful during the last 20 to 30 years”, creating chaos globally by way of “suicide attacks, unlimited barbarity, blackmail, demand for ransom and heinous killings”. The textbook further to state that, “Islamic terrorists dedicate themselves to their community and commit the heinous crimes in the name of their religion and Allah.” The answer adds that so called ‘terrorism’ in Jammu and Kashmir was “purely religious”.

A complaint was registered at Lal Kothi Police Station in Jaipur by Mohsin Rasheed, the general secretary of the Pradesh Congress Committee’s minority cell. Rasheed said the books directly link Islam with terrorism and promoted hatred for Islam and Muslims. He added, “Besides provoking and humiliating Muslim students, teachers and the community, it is also an attempt to destroy the unity and integrity of the country.” He demanded that action be instituted against those responsible for writing and approving the textbook.

Meanwhile, a group of youths allegedly attacked the publisher’s office on Wednesday evening. Three people have been arrested in connection with the incident.

Umm Muhammed Umar