A complaint has been lodged against a textbook publisher in Rajasthan on the allegation of objectional comments against Muslims incorporated in one of the textbooks. The book in contention is a One Week Series guidebook for second-year BEd course published by Rajhans publication.
Rajasthan Muslim Parishad has filed the complaint with the Manak Chowk Police station in Rajasthan.
The answer to question number 21 in page number 22 contains several statements which have been objected by Muslims. The question asks what efforts to be made to end religion-based stereotypes and prejudices. The suggested answers by the guidebook include solutions like not teaching religion in madrasas, a minimum 2-year jail term for religious discrimination etc. The book also says that Muslims should understand that they are also the children of Hindus.
The answer goes on to explain that Muslims want to establish an empire in the world which has resulted in the spreading of terrorism in the name of jihad. But they can’t keep everything under their control using terror. It also says that communalism is spreading due to religious prejudices. The book says that Hindu-Muslim conflicts are increasing due to reasons like breaking idols, cow slaughter, putting colour on Muslims (during Holi), organising music program in front of mosques, stone pelting on religious processions and rallies. It gives such communal incidents in various places Aligarh, Varanasi etc.
The same content also appears in another book for the same course published by Thakur Publishers earlier. While the complaint has been already filed against Rajhans Publication with the police, preparations are on to file another complaint against Thakur Publishers.
Rajasthan Muslim Parishad has said that the content of the book is designed to spread hate. The spokesperson of the organisation said that and if no action is taken against, they will launch a protest demanding the same.
Director of Thakur Publishers Saroj Thakur said that the book was published in 2014-15, Rajhans took that old book and published it this year. Rajhans director Deepak said that they have already apologised with the representatives of the organisation for the book.
