Prophet Mohammed's picture in school text angers Muslims

June 25, 2012: A picture of Prophet Mohammed in a primary school general knowledge book has angered Muslims in Manipur. They have sought a ban on the book besides an apology from the publishers and author S Babyla Jassal. The locally-published kindergarten book used across private schools in Manipur shows the Prophet with flowing beard and turban and holding a book-like object. He is featured with five other deities- Ganesh, Vishnu, Saraswati, Jesus and Mother Mary.

President of Pangal Students Organization, Mohd Burhanuddin, said no one has ever known or recorded the picture of Prophet Mohammad in the history of mankind. “It is against Islam.” Manipuri Muslims are called Pangals. Members of PSO and other organizations such as Popular Front of India (PFI-Manipur unit) and Pangal Political Forum burnt copies of the contentious kindergarten book Saturday.

An official spokesperson said the book in question was not prescribed by the Manipur government."The Board of Secondary Education, Manipur prescribes textbooks from Class 1 onwards. Private schools choose their textbooks," he said. The publisher has made an assurance that the objectionable page would be removed and rectified in future publications. He has also published an apology in the local daily. But the Muslim organizations want the government to intervene in the matter.