India-Pak ceasefire: Schools, colleges reopen in non-border areas of J&K after truce, border areas remain cautious

After a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, schools and colleges across most parts of Kashmir reopened on Tuesday.

 

However, educational institutions in areas like Kupwara, Baramulla, and the sub-district of Gurez remain closed, as these regions are still being monitored. 

 

The ceasefire followed a sharp rise in tensions at the border after India launched Operation Sindoor in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 people, mostly tourists and one local horse ride operator.

 

The decision to reopen schools was taken after authorities reviewed the security situation, particularly in areas near the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB).

 

Minister of Education, Sakeena Itoo, confirmed the development on X, stating: “All schools and colleges to reopen from tomorrow in non-border districts of Jammu as well as Kashmir.” Authorities said that schools and colleges in border areas will remain closed for now as a safety measure to protect students and staff. The reopening of these institutions will be considered after a further assessment of the situation. 

 

Several border areas in both Jammu and Kashmir were hit hard by heavy shelling from the Pakistan Army, which killed 25 people. Among the dead were Raj Kumar Thappa, Additional Deputy Development Commissioner of Rajouri, and Border Security Force (BSF) Inspector Muhammad Imtiaz. Dozens more were injured, and many homes, businesses, and vehicles were damaged.

 

Poonch district in Jammu was the worst-affected. Thirteen people, including a brother and sister, died when shells struck their home.

The government is expected to allow schools in border areas to reopen only after evaluating the damage to school buildings, homes, and infrastructure. 

 

Many students will be able to return to school only after they and their families return home, as hundreds of residents were displaced by the shelling. There is also concern about unexploded shells left behind in border villages. The government and security agencies have asked the public to report any suspicious objects to the authorities. People are being strongly warned to stay away from such devices, as they pose a serious threat to life and property.

India