Kashmir: All high schools to reopen in areas with no curbs

Jammu and Kashmir education department has decided to reopen all high schools from Wednesday in areas where restrictions have been lifted in the Kashmir Valley.

Restrictions have been eased in more areas, taking the number of such areas to 81; curbs will be lifted in 10 more areas on Thursday. Landline telephone connections will be restored in 15 more exchanges, J&K information director Syed Sehrish Asgar said on Tuesday.

On Tuesday, a team of officials from the ministries of minority affairs and skill development was in Srinagar to hold consultation with state government officials and J&K governor Satya Pal Malik. More officials from central government are likely to visit Srinagar in the coming weeks, officials said.


J&K police on Tuesday maintained that the situation in Kashmir remained peaceful but normal life remained affected across the valley.

According to official data, the attendance in government offices was 60%, while more than 300 primary and middle schools were opened in Srinagar. However, students’ attendance was a meagre 27%. Markets in most parts of the valley remained shut despite restrictions being eased further.

Mobile services and Internet, including BSNL’s broadband and private leased-line Internet, have remained snapped since August 5. Landlines in some areas were made operational but all of them aren’t working. In some parts, the landlines were restored but soon disconnected, leading to resentment among locals.