Srinagar, July 6 -- A controversial book entered the libraries of government schools in Jammu and Kashmir, passed through an expert committee, survived official scrutiny, crossed several bureaucratic tables, attracted public expenditure and finally reached children. Apparently, the only stage it did not pass through was reading.

The book reportedly described Kashmir using objectionable political terminology and presented separatist figures in a manner that triggered serious questions about its suitability for school libraries. The government responded by withdrawing two books, suspending eight Education Department employees, removing a contractual worker and ordering an inquiry.

Thus, the administration has successfully discovered the t...