Srinagar, February 17: On March 1, most of the schools in Kashmir will open for the first time after eight months of closure, which would be a big test for the administration towards bringing complete normalcy in Kashmir.
While some schools in Kashmir have started remedial classes from this month to compensate the losses for the students who suffered academically in the last six months, the schools in all districts, according to the government order, will open on March 1 after winter vacations.
“The government has made all arrangements for the schools to open. But yes there are some apprehension that some elements might try to create disturbances,” a government official said.
There are more than one million school-going children in Kashmir whose education has been impacted after August 5 when the government abrogated Article 370 and imposed a strict communication and military clampdown. Since then the schools in Kashmir have allegedly been not able to open.
Many students are desperately waiting for the schools to open as the continuous closure, their parents say, has impacted their overall development.
“The schools must open soon so that our children can go and study. The future of our children has been ruined by the situation and we do not want that these uncertainties should impact our children. They are mentally very disturbed because they have nothing to do,” said Gulshan Deen, a resident of Kanipora on the outskirts of Srinagar, whose two daughters study in Class II and IV.
The winter vacation in Kashmir schools was announced on December 10 and the schools are now set to open on March 1. The closure of schools in the last six months has kept the uncertainties afloat and their opening to a large extent would help in bringing the normalcy in the region.
In August and September last year, despite the government’s announcements of asking students to attend schools, they stayed away due to the safety reasons.
“We are sure and ready that the schools will open on March 1 and all the normal activities that have been hampered due to the post August situation and winter will be resumed,” another government official said.
