Srinagar, July 4: Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Sakeena Itoo on Saturday ordered a time-bound inquiry into a controversial book, even as she asserted that a “deliberate conspiracy” was at play and promised strict action, including termination of employees and a permanent ban on the publisher.
“I immediately instructed the Secretary of Education to issue a suspension order. I told him to issue a termination order and then start the inquiry. But the suspension order was issued and the inquiry was ordered,” Itoo told reporters on the sidelines of a function here as per Kashmir Convener.
The minister said the report emerging from the inquiry would determine action against those found guilty. “This cannot be tolerated. The way this conspiracy has been deliberately created, this will not be tolerated, and there will be strict action against them,” she said.
Asked whether she saw the hand of separatist elements behind the controversy, Itoo said, “Of course, I agree with this. That is why the inquiry order has been issued. That is why the suspension has been issued. Anyone who is involved in this will be terminated.”
She also announced that the publisher of the book would be banned permanently. “If such conspiracies have been made, I think they should never publish a book in the future—whether it is from Kashmir, Jammu or Delhi. Whoever has done this today has no right to publish a book in the future,” Itoo said.
Stressing the need for swift action, the minister said the inquiry would be time-bound and the report must come immediately. “And I think that a criminal case is being made against them. So this order has already been issued. After this, the inquiry order will come and action will be taken against them,” she added.
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