Amid row over changes in National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)’s class 12 political science text books, Sikh bodies, including the Shiromani Gurdwara Parban-dhak Committee (SGPC), said the Anandpur Sahib resolution adopted by the Shirimani Akali Dal (SAD) as its goal in 1973 had been interpreted as a “separatist resolution” in one of the books.
In chapter 7 (Regional aspirations) of the book ‘Swatantra Bharat Mein Rajniti, it is mentioned that a demand of regional autonomy was raised under the resolution.
“There was also a demand for redefining the Centre-state ties. The resolution advocates for strengthening of federalism. However, it can also be read as a demand for separate Sikh Nation,” reads the text book of class 12th.
Taking note of it, SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhamthemi said, “The SGPC raises strong objections over the misinformation being spread about Sikhs. Historical references related to Sikhs are being distorted . Sikhs should not be represented. The text must be removed immediately.”