Srinagar, March 1: All educational centers in Kashmir will remain shut for the next 48 hours following a government directive issued in the wake of regional instability. The move follows intense protests across Jammu and Kashmir sparked by the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Education Minister Sakina Itoo affirmed that the safety of the student community is the administration’s primary concern. She stated that the government chose to shut schools and higher educational institutions as a preventative step while authorities observe the developing situation.
The closure impacts a significant academic milestone, as primary and middle schools were slated to end their winter vacations this Monday. The School Education Department had previously phased the reopening of schools, with senior students returning to classrooms late last month.
“The government is monitoring the situation closely and will take the call of reopening after assessing the ground situation,” the Minister maintained.
Teaching faculty had recently reported back to their respective stations to prepare for the new term. However, the current security climate has prompted a temporary reversal of the reopening schedule. Officials declared that the measure is strictly a safety precaution to avoid any incidents during the street demonstrations reported in various districts.
