Relief in the Air, Lessons in the Classroom: J&K Schools Reopen

Following days of increased tension between India and Pakistan along the border, Jammu and Kashmir's non-border districts' schools and colleges reopened on May 13, 2025, in a significant move toward normalcy in the region. The move, announced by the Divisional Commissioner of Jammu and seconded by Education Minister Sakina Itoo, came after a careful review by the education department and was welcomed with relief by parents, students, and teachers.

 

Academic activity resumed in non-border areas in Jammu and Kashmir, including Reasi, Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban, while educational institutions in border districts like Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, Poonch, Kupwara, Baramulla, and Bandipora's Gurez sub-division are still shut as a precautionary measure given the continued security issues. Closures were initially imposed following a spurt of cross-border shelling and Operation Sindoor launch, which had resulted in casualties among civilians and extensive disruption.

 

Meanwhile, in Punjab's Amritsar city, people heaved a sigh of relief as the city witnessed no recent activity of drones or missiles. The security is still tight, but the calm situation has enabled people to slowly resume normal life. Some of the schools in Amritsar and Ferozepur districts, though, are still closed as a precautionary measure, with local authorities advising people to remain watchful.

 

The resumption of schooling in J&K's non-border areas and the good situation in Amritsar portend cautious optimism for the region. Civilian flights from Srinagar airport resumed as well, further lending momentum to the return to normal life.

 

"All schools and colleges will resume from May 13 in non-border areas of Jammu as well as Kashmir," J&K Education Minister Sakina Itoo announced in an X post.

 

Relevant Sources: Times of India, CNBC TV18, NDTV, Economic Times, The Hitavada, KNS Kashmir, Daily Excelsior