Srinagar, Apr 22: A map in a text book of Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), taught in the Sainik Schools run by Army in Kashmir and other parts of country depicts Pakistan administered Kashmir (PAK) as “Azad Kashmir”.
 The map in the book also vindicates the Pakistani stand on Gilgit-Baltistan.
 The common book of History-Geography is taught in Sainik schools of the valley in class third and has been prescribed by CBSE for the year 2012.
 The map pertaining to J&K mentioned in the book has hardly any difference about the claims made by the Pakistan over Kashmir. It has generated a controversy in New Delhi as BJP has asked the Human Resource Development Ministry to get to the bottom of the controversy.
 The Army in valley has dissociated itself from the controversy and said that it has written to people in New Delhi. “The issue was brought to fore by the media. We have written to people in New Delhi and no further comments,” said Public Relations Officer Ministry of Defence Lt Col J S Brar.
 However, a senior army officer looking after the Sainik and Army Goodwill Schools in the valley told Greater Kashmir on condition of anonymity that the book would be most likely banned. “I think the book might be banned,” he said.   
 He said the book has been published by Prabhat Publisher House, Karol Bagh New Delhi. The officer added that some Army commanders have now asked some of the school principals to get back to them with the copies of the book so that they can take a look, but he did not divulge whether they have been asked to do so or no.
 Here it needs a mention that in New Delhi BJP leaders have demanded that the HRD Ministry must get to the bottom of the matter. They have termed it a serious issue.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 22 Apr 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 22 Apr 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 IST