J-K govt orders all schools in Jammu region closed along Indo-Pak border

With ceasefire violations occurring more frequently and continuously, the Jammu and Kashmir government ordered the closure of all schools along the International Border (IB) and Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu region.

With ceasefire violations occurring more frequently and continuously, the Jammu and Kashmir government ordered the closure of all schools along the International Border (IB) and Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu region.

A deserted classroom in a private school in Srinagar that has remained closed for the past three months due to the unrest in the Kashmir Valley. (AP Photo)

There are 174 schools in total in the area, including private and government schools. Eighty four schools were shut down in Balakot zone, Poonch, and 45 more in Samba district.

Since the unrest in the Valley began in July, over 25 schools have been gutted in the last three months.

On Monday, the state’s high court took cognizance of the matter and asked the government to protect educational institutes coming under attack.

The court also directed the police and administration to ensure protection of schools besides finding those responsible for the arson.

Meanwhile in the wake of the continuous ceasefire violations and firing from Pakistan, home minister Rajnath Singh held a high level meeting with defence minister Manohar Parrikar, national security advisor Ajit Doval and other senior home ministry officials to review the situation along IB and LoC.