Schools reopen in border districts amid fragile calm

Baramulla, May 14: Following days of disruption caused by intense cross-border shelling, schools in several border areas of North Kashmir reopened on Wednesday, bringing a sense of relief and normalcy for students and their families.
Educational institutions resumed functioning in most parts of Baramulla and Kupwara districts, except for the shelling-hit Sub-Divisions of Uri and Karnah, where schools remain shut as a precautionary measure.
The resumption of academic activities brought joy and emotional respite to students who had been living under the shadow of fear and uncertainty for the past several days.
Students said that the closure of schools had affected them—not just academically, but emotionally. “We are happy to be back. It felt like we were caged, unable to meet our friends. Our studies had come to a standstill, and the fear of shelling was always on our minds,” said a student from Baramulla.
Many students shared that the sound of explosions and constant tension left them questioning their safety and future. “We were tense after the cross-border shelling. There were nights when we wondered if we would be alive to return to school again,” another student said.
The recent hostilities between India and Pakistan had led to the closure of schools across several border districts, even as the normal life coming to a halt.
Teachers and local residents have welcomed the reopening of schools, calling it a step towards restoring routine life. “The ceasefire has helped resume vital public activities, especially education. We hope the calm continues,” said a school teacher in Sopore.
Despite the improvement in the situation, educational institutions in Sub-Division Uri of Baramulla and Karnah area of Kupwara besides Gurez remain closed. These regions were among the worst hit during the recent exchange of fire across the LoC.
“We are monitoring the situation closely. Students’ safety is our top priority,” officials said. (KNO)