Schools reopen in Jammu and Kashmir, barring border districts

Srinagar: Schools in the non-border districts of Jammu and Kashmir reopened on Tuesday, bringing a much-needed semblance of normalcy to students and teachers alike after a week-long closure due to escalating tensions along the India-Pakistan border.

The shutdown followed Operation Sindoor, a military action launched by Indian forces last week in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 civilians were killed. While the ceasefire announced by the two nuclear-armed countries on Saturday has allowed educational institutions in interior districts to resume functioning, schools in the border districts continue to remain closed, with authorities citing security concerns.

In Srinagar, cheerful scenes unfolded outside government and private schools as students returned to classrooms. Many schools held morning assemblies focused on peace and safety.

“I was really scared when I heard about the operation. My parents didn’t allow me to watch the news,” said Aqsa, a Class 9 student at a school in Srinagar. “Coming back to school and meeting my friends today made me feel normal again.”

Her sentiments were echoed by Ayaan, a class 6 student. “We missed a lot of classes last week. I hope there are no more disturbances. I just want to study and prepare for exams,” he said.

However, for students in Rajouri, Poonch, Samba, Kathua, and Jammu in Jammu region and Baramulla Kupwara and Gurez in Kashmir, where schools remain shut due to their proximity to the Line of Control (LoC), uncertainty lingers.

Officials from the Directorate of School Education said they are closely monitoring the situation in border districts. “We are in touch with the district administrations. Schools in affected areas will reopen only when the security scenario improves,” an official said.

Meanwhile, the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar has announced a shift to online classes in view of the recent developments. A notice issued by the administration stated that all undergraduate and postgraduate classes will be held online from May 13 to June 6 as a precautionary measure.