Kashmir Schools Reopen After Anti-US Protests Over Iran Attacks Subside

Educational institutions across the Kashmir Valley have reopened after a week-long closure prompted by protests against US-Israeli attacks on Iran. Authorities had shut down schools and universities as a precautionary measure following demonstrations by Shia and Sunni Muslims. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah engaged with civil society leaders to encourage a dignified expression of grief, while police maintained restraint to prevent casualties. Normalcy has now returned, with students eagerly returning to campuses.

Key Points: Kashmir Valley Schools Reopen as Protests Subside

  • Schools reopen after week-long closure
  • Protests followed US-Israeli attacks on Iran
  • Authorities imposed Valley-wide restrictions
  • Police used restraint to avoid casualties
2 min read

Educational institutions reopen across Kashmir Valley after anti-US protests subside

Educational institutions reopen across Kashmir Valley after protests over US-Israeli attacks on Iran subside. Normalcy returns after a week of closures.

"following restoration of normalcy in the Valley, all educational institutions had been directed to resume functioning from today - Sakina Itoo"

Srinagar, March 9

All educational institutions across the Kashmir Valley reopened on Monday as life started normally in all the 10 districts of the Valley as the pro-Ayatullah Ali Khamenei protests that were held after the US-Israeli attacks on Iran, subsided.

Officials said schools, colleges, universities and other educational institutions reopened normally in the Valley on Monday.

Authorities had closed educational institutions in the Valley following protests against the US-Israeli attacks on Iran and the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei.

These educational institutions were shut down as a precautionary measure. J&K Education Minister, Sakina Itoo said following restoration of normalcy in the Valley, all educational institutions had been directed to resume functioning from today.

Cheerful schoolchildren wearing colourful uniforms accompanied by parents waited for school buses eagerly in the morning.

Scores of school buses moved out early in different districts while college and university students thronged public transport vehicles to reach campuses after a break of one week.

After the killing of Khamenei in joint US-Israeli strikes on February 28, thousands of angry Shia Muslims joined by Sunni Muslims protesters took to the streets shouting pro-Islam and anti-US and anti-Israel slogans.

At places the angry protesters had clashed with the police and the security forces, after which authorities imposed Valley-wide restrictions.

During handling of the law and order situation, police and the deployed security forces used utmost restraint to ensure that no casualty or damage to public life and property occurred during maintenance of law and order.

Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah interacted with civil society members belonging to the religious, social and business community in Srinagar. Omar Abdullah appealed to the civil society members to use their influence so that the grief of the people was expressed in a responsible and dignified manner.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah got a positive response from civil society members including senior leaders of the Shia community.

DGP, Nalin Prabhat camped in the Valley throughout the period restrictions remained in place.

Senior officers of the police force headed by the DGP visited areas affected by protests and directed the deployed forces to handle the situation with firmness and tact.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I understand the need for precaution, shutting down all institutions felt like an overreaction. It disrupts the academic calendar terribly. Couldn't security have been increased around campuses instead? Hope the administration has a more nuanced plan for the future.
R
Rohit P
The sight of children going back to school is always a positive one. Kudos to the police and civil society for working to restore normalcy. We in India have seen how external conflicts can spill over. Peace and stability in Kashmir is paramount for its development.
S
Sarah B
It's heartening to see the community and authorities working together. The report mentions "utmost restraint" by security forces - if true, that's a very good sign. The focus should always be on protecting citizens, especially the young students.
V
Vikram M
This is a complex situation. People have a right to protest events abroad they feel strongly about, but it should not come at the cost of our children's education and daily life. Hope the calm continues. Jai Hind.
K
Kavya N
As a teacher myself, I know how hard it is for students to get back on track after an unexpected break. My thoughts are with the educators in the Valley who have to manage this. Stay strong! The future is in your classrooms.

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