Recent events have underscored the volatile situation at the India-Pakistan border, with repercussions felt in Jammu and Kashmir. While a fragile ceasefire holds, the region remains on edge, and authorities are taking measures to ensure the safety and well-being of citizens.
One significant development is the reopening of schools and colleges in non-border districts of Jammu and Kashmir starting today, May 13, 2025. This decision follows a comprehensive review of the ground situation in the aftermath of recent cross-border shelling incidents. Minister of Education, Sakeena Itoo, announced the reopening via a post on X, stating that all schools and colleges in non-border districts of both Jammu and Kashmir divisions would resume operations.
However, educational institutions in border areas will remain closed as a precautionary measure for the safety of students and staff. The School Education Department clarified that all government and private schools in Doda, Kishtwar, Reasi, and Ramban districts of Jammu division will open, while those in Kathua, Jammu, Rajouri, Poonch, Samba, and Udhampur districts will remain closed. The University of Kashmir also announced that regular classwork would resume from May 14, except for students from border areas, who may join from May 19.
Adding to the educational adjustments, the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar has announced that online classes for all undergraduate and postgraduate students will commence from May 13 and continue until June 6, 2025. This decision was made after a week of heightened tensions on the borders, during which many students were facilitated in returning to their homes for safety reasons.
These decisions reflect the ongoing security concerns stemming from heightened tensions along the India-Pakistan border. While non-border areas are deemed safe for resuming academic activities, border districts continue to face uncertainty due to the volatile situation in the region. The move to reopen schools in safer areas aims to balance the need for education with the imperative of ensuring student safety.
The recent escalation in tensions can be traced back to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. India responded with "Operation Sindoor," targeting what it claimed were terrorist infrastructure. Pakistan, in turn, launched "Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos". These actions led to a brief armed conflict, with both sides accusing each other of targeting civilian areas.
Despite the tense backdrop, the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan held talks and reaffirmed their commitment to the ceasefire. Both sides agreed to avoid aggressive actions and consider troop reductions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a national address, emphasized a strategic shift in India's counter-terrorism policy, highlighting decisive retaliation and zero tolerance for nuclear blackmail. He asserted that "Operation Sindoor" represents a new normal in India's anti-terror operations.
While the ceasefire remains intact, suspected Pakistani drones were detected and engaged near the border in Jammu's Samba district. These incidents underscore the fragility of the situation and the need for continued vigilance.
The Foreign Secretary is scheduled to brief a parliamentary panel on the current situation with Pakistan on May 19. This briefing will likely provide further insights into the government's strategy and the challenges ahead.
Air India had initially issued a travel advisory, canceling flights to and from Jammu, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot. However, with the ceasefire holding, flight operations are expected to resume at Srinagar airport.
The reopening of schools in non-border areas is a welcome step towards normalcy, but the situation remains delicate. The safety and security of the region depend on the continued adherence to the ceasefire and the willingness of both sides to engage in constructive dialogue.
